It Was More Than Chai & Mandazi at Gallery Watatu

Kenya Mon 03-01-2011

It Was More Than Chai & Mandazi at Gallery Watatu
By AfricanColours.com

All images by Andrew Njoroge | AfricanColours.com

The Gallery Watatu invitation came via text message: “Please come for some chai and mandazi at Watatu between 10am and noon tomorrow.” It was an impromptu invite to those artists and patrons still lingering on in a fast emptying pre-Christmas Nairobi.

Showcasing a new Katirikawe

Osei (L) explaining Jak Katarikawe's new work to Gallery Watatu's Director Adama Diawara (R)

More than 20 people showed up for the tea and buns, certainly, but there was also a bit more – such as Mogadishu flavoured samosas, South African wine, Swiss chocs and goat cheese.

A pensive Katirikawe

A pensive Jak Katarikawe with his latest work in the background

The atmosphere was cozy and animated. Artists Zacharia Mbutha, Meek Gichugi, Wanyu Brush, Kyalo Justus, Lonad and Jak Katarikawe, Tabitha Wathuku and Jeff Koinange graced this occasion… Some of these folks hadn’t braced the old spiral staircase up into the gallery in months, if not years. Perhaps it was due to all these whispers and talk that Osei G Kofi might be taking up the management of Watatu shortly.

Osei, Marianne Diawara and Grandaugther

Osei, Marianne, Diawara and grand daughter Breket

Mbutha, Tabitha, Diawara

Artists (L-R) Zacharia Mbutha, Tabitha Wa Thuku, Adama Diawara

Fact is, the scarlet pimpernel had been seen flipping in and out of some hot spots all across the city lately, including the AfricanColours offices, the National Museums of Kenya, the Sankara, the Tribe, Runda estates, etc.

Presto - there he was sitting demurely by Watatu owner Adama Diawara during the impromptu reception. “Yes, I should be taking over here shortly, but nothing conclusive yet” was all Osei would admit. Others in the know insisted it was a done deal and that come next January he’ll move here from his current base in Geneva. Watch this space!

Future art buyers

Future art buyers

Posted By: Hirum Ndungu

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Your Comments

margaretta wa gacheru: Very exciting news to hear that Gallery Watatu is really coming alive again, resurrecting as it were! We needed to see this happen, and Osei Kofi is a visionary who has persevered. Great hope for the future of contemporary Kenyan art!

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