Jacob Oketch in Wasanii

“Nairobi is a land of opportunities. But Kenyan society doesn’t believe in art and artists are used to shying away. They should sensitize themselves to the fact that they are key decision makers.” Jacob Oketch

It is a common discourse amongst wananchi that culture in Kenya is still a rural asset and that the city is only a den of vice. However, in recent years, Nairobi has seen art spaces expand and a whole host of cultural agents invest in them, making Nairobi a cultural metropolis in its own right. But to who is this flourishing activity addressed? Indeed, one could argue that cultural production in the city has had a strong tendency to cater for the expatriate market, providing only exportable art such as paintings, sculptures or attire that represent a limited idea of Africa.

Storytelling is one of those arts that is difficult to export. As Jacob Oketch will say, eye contact with the public is essential. While using Dholuo, he is famous for exuberant, overflowing and very communicative performances. According to him, storytelling is also an art that has an important history in African societies and one that should be better valued. Some institutions are pushing to make these art forms more visible on the kenyan art scene. Storytelling can now be found in different places in town, at poetry and open mic events organised by Kwani? or PEN, or in festivals that occur from time to time (Sigana, Jukwaani, WaPi, etc.).

Jacob participates in some of those events, but his main base - like a large part of the art community - is Wasanii, the bar above National Theatre in the Kenya Cultural Centre. Despite the sarcasm triggered by the 'National' nature of the centre, the KCC has grown into a thriving hub for artists who meet there on a daily basis to exchange ideas and projects. Polopiatch!!