Art shapes creativity
Creativity shapes innovation
Innovation shapes the world
Our awards: Youth Development NPO of the Year 2024/25 I Most Visionary Organisation 2024 - Innovation in Education Excellence I Top Website 2022 I Most Innovative Learning Organisation 2020
Enrties received: 1,700
Number of schools participated: 32
Countries participated: Kenya (54 different locations), Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa
Number of prizes awarded: 133 (88 winners and 45 commended)
Award Ceremony was attended by 400 people
Prizes totalling 300,000 Ksh (£2,500) are supported by Rivers Foundation (UK), The Nobelity Project (USA), Mabati Roling Mills (Kenya), and Mayfair Inshurance (Kenya). Our special thanks to our judges.
SCHOOL CATEGORY
SHREE CUTCH SATSANG SWAMINARAYAN ACADEMY
SIPILI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
FLYING KITES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
COGRI ART CLUB
G-THAMINI
DELIVERANCE CHURCH CDC
UNDER 15 CATEGORY
ANIDAN CHILDREN
SARA WANJIKU, 9
LUCY MALAU, 12
WAYU OMAR, 12
ANTONY MUSANGI, 10
MARY NJOKI, 13
HALIMA ALI
DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY
DAVID MACHARIA, 12
KELVIN NJENGA, 11
KEVIN MUSYOKI, 8
VICTOR KIARIE, 10
GREENYARD SCHOOL
ANGEL CHEMNGETICH, 9
ROBERT ASIBA, 12
HIGH HOPE ACADEMY
CALEB KAHUTHU KAGIRI, 7
KAYANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Children: JESCA, BEATRICE, MARIANA, JUSTIN, DANEL, RICHARD, 12
PRIVATE ART STUDIO OF MARY MURINGI
KATANU KAVILA-KWINGA, 12
MYRAH TEJAS-SHAH, 6
MWANGI MUNGAI, 13
SOHAN CHANDARIA, 12
ACK ST. MARK'S MIKINDANI CDC
GEORGE KOMU, 8
CALEB BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
TENIOLA COKER, 14
MODUPE BELLO, 13
HILLCREST SCHOOL
KIKA NUCIFORA, 9
MAYA MELESI, 12
MARIA IMMACULATA PRI SCHOOL
NICHOLAS MWANGI, 12
IAN MUCHOKI, 14
MATHARE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
YOSHABEL MUTHONI, 9
IMAR NICOLE, 7
JANET KERUBO, 9
MIRIAM AUMA, 8
CITAM SCHOOL
SHARONROSE MAINA, 12
FAVOUR WAMBUI, 9
SYLVIA JEGAT, 11
OLOSERIAN ACADEMY
CHRISTINE CHERUBO, 11
GLEN NYAMBUGA, 11
LEAH WAMORO, 10
FREDRICK KIKUYU, 10
PCEA EMBULBUL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
ELIZABETH WANGUI, 12
CECILIA WANGUI, 11
MWANAKOMBO TALIA, 14
REDSOIL SCHOOL
TEDDY KURIA, 9
PETER MAGON’G, 10
SCHOOL OF THE NATIONS
RICHMOND SESAY, 4
KALYA NDUATI, 8
FORTUNE HOUSE
HOPE WANJIKU, 8
KIMBERLY MUKAMI, 7
TASWIRA ART CLUB
PAUL NGUGI, 5
OPRAH WAMBUI, 9
RUTH WAMBUI, 11
XTREAM MOBILE ART SCHOOL
CELINE KIRABO, 13
KEVINNE MULLICKS, 10
ANGELIN ANTONY, 11
BEST CREATIVITY TEACHER AWARD
Mr JOHN SOLLY SALAVA, Diani Beach, Kenya
Mrs ESTHER MUKUHI, Kiserian, Kenya
BUSINESS LEADER FOR CREATIVITY AWARD
ALAN RIVERS, Rivers Foundation, UK
DR MANU CHANDARIA CBE, Kenya
WILLIAM PIKE, Kenyan newspaper The Star
UNDER 25 CATEGORY
WINNERS
1st, CYNTHIA NGUNJIRI, 23
2nd, STAICE SHITANDA, 20
3rd, LEE GITAHI, 20
EVA CHEMNGOREM, 22
IGNATIUS KOECH, 18
JOAN MUEMA, 21
JOHN OKUMU, 25
MARTIN MUSYOKA, 23
MOLLA GAETANO, 24
MUCHIRA MURAGURI, 23
NELSON IJAKAA, 24
PATRICK MWANGI, 22
PETER KARIUKI, 24
SUHAIL OMAR, 18
TAABU MUNYOKI, 21
COMMENDED
ALLAN KIOKO, 23
BRIAN YAEM, 22
CAROLINE MOCHOGE, 23
CHRISTINE GITAU, 17
COLLINS EKISA, 19, Mukuru Arts
DENZEL KAMAU, 21
DOREEN MUYOKA, 22
FRANK KIBICHO, 22
ISAAC MOKUA, 22
ISAAC MUSYA, 21
ISAAC SHAMIA, 21
JERRY MASHA, 21
JESSY MWANZIA, 22
JOHN CHAMBI, 21, Milambo High School
JOHN NJERU, 23
KASHYAP GOHEL, 25
KEVIN WAMUTHIANI, 22
LUCY MWANGI, 21
MARTIN MUTEGI, 24
MARY NDUKU NATHAN, 21
MELISSA NYAMBOK, 18
MELISSA POLA, 17, Loreto Convent Msongari
NEAL NG’ANG’A KAIRU KAIRU, 23
NEHEMIAH NJOROGE, 24
PATRICK MUTHONI, 22
RAS STENSO, 24, Mukuru Arts
SELINA ONYANDO, 21
SHARON MOTUGUTWA, 20
SHILPI DEB, 23
YONA MUDIBO, 25
ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS
WINNERS
1st. KRISTINA ACADEMY
FAITH RIGHO, 13. Jewellery
HIDAYA SAID, 12. A hand bag
HALIMA RIZIKI, 12. A hand bag
SALIM LIBANDO, 13. A bottle-legs chair
JOHN KIMWELI, 14. Fruit Bowel
2nd. JEFFERSON MWANGOLO, 22. Mangoz 2 riches 2.0
3rd. REGINA MWIHAKI, 17, ANNE NJERI, 16. Eco-seedling bag
DANIELLE WIJENJE, 16. Vitalace
CAMILLE OKONG'O, 22. House utilities
MEDINA AKOTH, 23, Soda can craft
KENNETH WANGARI, 24. Making recycled wine glasses
KARL STEINBECK, 6. Subtle Elegance (Fashion Designs)
HIGHLY COMMENDED FASHION & ACCESSORY DESIGNERS
MAGGIE NG’ANG’A, 21. Painted footwear
FAITH KARUIRU, 24. Blue on skin
JAMES MLANDA, 23. Fashion fabric
ANGE MARIE ITUZE, 23. Handmade necklace
MARTIN MUTEGI, 24. Umoja beads
PHILIP IRINGO KISAIH, 21. Beadwork on cloth
POETRY
WINNERS
1st, ALAN GATHIRA
2nd, NICOLE SARO
3rd, JORY HUNGA
COMMENDED
CYNTHIA MUKUHE
ISAAC KIMONDO
WALTER OSUGO
ENOCK WEKESA
KASHYAP GOHEL
SHARON MWENDWA NDEGWA
MUSIC/DANCE/PERFORMANCE
WINNERS
OLIVER MWAKIO MAGANGA, 21
ISAAC MOKUA, 22
MALINDI HIGH SCHOOL
SPECIAL PRAISE
GEORGE KIUNA and DAMARIS WARIRA of OLOSERIAN ACADEMY
TIFFANY MUKUHI KINYUA, 10 of DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY
COMMENDED
EMMANUEL FATAKI, 23
BOBSAMMY MWENDE
PATRICK MWANGI, 22
DANIELLE WIJENJE, 17
TRACYROS WAIRIMU, 19
KASAJJA BYAKIKA, 23
OLIVER MWAKIO MAGANGA 21, Take me back, Nairobi
Band of MALINDI HIGH SCHOOL, Malindi
MASK Prize 2018 received 140 poems.
1st Prize. Alan Gathira, 18, QUEEN
The strobe lights
Hidden from view of the audience
Swing about in different colours
Lighting up the stage
The beautiful red curtains
Draw open to show the stage
Pulled apart by some secret mechanism
A secret only the stars know
The hanging mic
Drops from the fake sky
Chrome plated and supremely shining
It strikes the eyes of all
The stage rises
From beneath the floor
And upon it
Stands the most beautiful person of all
She captures the hearts of all
And holds them captive in her heart
Where all who watch her
Want to steal back both theirs and hers
She is beauty at its finest
The epitome of spectacularity
The peak of the mountain of finery
One look makes you fall in love
She opens up her powerful lungs to the world
And the sweet voice entrances all
Smooth like butter and soft as a feather
She leaves you begging and pleading for more
When the curtains finally fall
The life of the audience falls with them
For she was their sole lifeline
She was their only majesty
She was their Queen.
2nd Prize. Nicole Saro, 21, MY PRINCE
I thought meeting him was a blessing in disguise
Though he looked nothing like sugar and spice
I was sure I had finally found the one
No more, "Just go be a nun!"
Women my age went green with envy
Wondering how I got lucky
I had bagged me a wealthy chap
From somewhere on the map
It wasn't long before he had a change of heart
That literally tore my dreams apart
My mother needed grandchildren
And there I was losing my man
He said I couldn't replace his late wife
Not even for the love of life
I was a girl that care forgot
I was craving to tie the knot
He said "That is as far as we go"
Never got a bigger blow!
So I close my eyes and hope to die
Because my prince was a frog in a suit and tie
3rd prize. Jory Hunga, 20, ERASE YOUR SOCIAL
it's time to erase your social,
for society's become too mobile,
mindlessly paralysed to our screens,
we're now hooked like addicted fiends,
social media being the new basic need,
we repeatedly scroll & refresh our latest feed,
constantly mining followers & friends,
to share with & obsess over popular trends,
carpe diem being our favourite motto,
we're tirelessly chasing the ultimate photo,
but it's all just a desperate lotto,
a scratch for the most likes & comments,
with no winners nor genuine moments,
and while all this continues to persist,
each profile depicts an oblivious narcissist,
in a prison of their own creation,
blindly seeking some measure of validation,
so in light of this information,
will you make the choice to retreat,
to either log off or delete?
Jory Hunga, 20
Turner Contemporary, a UK prominent public contemporary art gallery, hosted MASK's five-year retrospective exhibition titled 'All Art Should be Social Art' from 11 May to 10 June in 2018.
This exhibition was a tribute to MASK's unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among young people in Africa. The exhibition encompassed two distinct elements: a collection of artworks, including paintings and animations, and an assortment of portraits and quotations from our participants.
Among the inspiring quotations featured in the exhibition were:
This showcase was a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity in the lives of these young individuals and the impact of MASK's initiatives in nurturing their talents and vision.
Artworks and artists exhibited:
Benson Kinyanjui, African Market
Betrice Wanza, Nairobi, At Coast
Churchill Ongere, I have Been Looking For You
Eddy Ouma, Flowing Hope
Jaini Hitesh Shah, Mara River Crossing
Michael Odhiambo, Matunda Matamu, Sweet Fruits
Nicole Riziki, Flying From My Worries
Serena Kairu, Painting Sounds
Allan Kiptoo, Untitled
Amani Karisa, Naks
Arnold Kibaara, Colour Pencil on Paper
Bitumu Ngago, A Wedding Ceremony
Cynthia Ngunjiri, Ujamaa
Edwin Wainaina, Scream
Fahima Munene, Save Me
Faith Nyambura, Houses
Hannah Gathon, Fashion
James Maina, Painting Sounds
Jeff Kaguri, Zebra Head
John Karimi, Untitled
Joseph Makau, Swampy
Kennedy Kimani, Market and Beyond
Lee Wanjiru, Tranquility
Louis Nderi, My Greatest Joy is just to see my Daughter Happy
Louis Nderi, Family Tree
Louis Nderi, Family Tree
Onesmus Okamar, Untitled
Patrick Mwaura, Just Beautiful
Paul Muigai, The Fire Man
Paula Karanja, The ‘Champions League’
Pupils of NPC School, Baby’s Day Out
Sam Mulwa, Mother Earth
Samu Kauli, Protect the Sea
Sidney Wanjiku, Women Power
Steve Wanjau, Untitled
Antony Okari, Freedom from the Cut
Bradly Nyongesa, Nature
Churchill Ongere, Hand
Beryl Juma, Untitled
Chela Bett, Untitled
Clemet Muruthi, My Village
Eddy Ouama, Sunset in Humanity
Elizabeth Wanjiru, Visually Impared Happy Lady
Gitahi Kariuki, Tortoise
Hellen Wanjala, What I Love about my Life
John Njeru, Nairobi Ain’t Easy
Peteros Masinde, Heart and Brain
Ron Lukes, Devine
Shela Foster, Our Home
Ionna, Untitled
Junior Lekerimui, Leafy Impala
Kevogo Yavetsi, Mothers Love
Sofia Mohammed, Dolly
Victor Kariuki, My World
Moses Kamau, Siku Ya Kahwa
Donrobert Kamau, Matasia Ngong Footballer
Moses Kamau, Siku Ya Kahwa
Donrobert Kamau, Matasia Ngong Footballer
Interact with our virtual exhibition: click on images and videos below
This virtual exhibition was developed by MASK and Jie Qiu, a MA Curating & Collection student at Chelsea College of Arts University of the Arts London.
Saatchi Gallery, a prominent contemporary art gallery, hosted our exhibition titled 'Early 21st Century Young African Artists' from December 5, 2018, to January 12, 2019.
We showcased the works of 19 artists, all of whom were previous winners of MASK Awards. The selection of artworks encompassed a wide range of artistic approaches, styles, and mediums. Our artists are not only skilled storytellers but also astute observers of their surroundings. They capture the vibrancy of youth, reflect on life, and offer commentary on the contemporary human condition in Africa. Their creations redefine identities, challenge values, and question social constructs. For these artists, 'art is the medium through which they express their boundless creativity.'
This exhibition had a significant impact, reaching an audience of over 90,000 individuals.
Artists
Joan Muema, 21
Maggie Ng’ang’a, 21
Patrick Mwangi, 22
Lucy Mwangi, 21
Denzel Kamau, 21
Taabu Munyoki, 21
Isaac Musya, 21
Staice Shitanda, 20
Cynthia Ngunjiri, 23
Muchira Muraguri, 23
Isaac Mokua, 22
Alvin Njuguna, 18
Churchill Ongere, 22
Edwin Wainaina, 18
Emmanuel Wandera, 21
Louis Nderi, 25
Paula Karanja, 20
Peter Kariuki, 23
Peteros Masinde, 19
Private View
18 December 2018
MASK is a recipient of: