BE-U | Kennedy Omondi

BE-U | Qs&As with East Africa’s bright, bold and beautiful.

Kennedy is a Kenyan artist and model. Represented by 199x Kennedy is full of creative expression. His creativity is showcased throughout the work of 199x  

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ONE AFRICAN COUNTRY, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

South Africa, no doubt. 

The culture in SA is very raw. There's so much room for collaboration there and that's what I love about it. 

WHERE DID YOU QUARANTINE?

Upcountry, Kisumu. 

FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN NAIROBI?

CJ's restaurant. I love it's ambience. And the food is great!

WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY BEGIN?

I used to do polaroids with my big brother for fun back in the day. In the process, I realized I could create some magic. I reached out to my photographer friends and here I am, several years later, a professional model.

WHAT IS 199x?

199x is a Kenyan collective. In an effort to offer new local perspectives and ideas through digital content, we find new methods of visual representation. As a collective, we work internally, but also collaborate with other artists to tell stories and create content for a target audience. 

Also. To us, no one's documenting fashion from our local perspective. That's what made us create the type of content we create today. 

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT 199x?

I'm a model at 199x. I also double up as a brand ambassador. 

DREAM COLLABORATION?

I'd love to work with Gucci. Ooh, and Trevor Sturrman too! He's definitely a creative force to be reckoned with. 

YOUR INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS ALWAYS SEEM TO HAVE A MESSAGE...WHO ARE THEY FOR? WHAT INSPIRES THESE MESSAGES?

Most of captions are inspired by my daily experiences. I'd say they're for creatives I engage with on my page and generally anyone who might resonate with them. 

“Shortcut through the garden” is my personal favorite concept! Talk about this process

The concept came to be so flawlessly. The fact that we were able to draw something unique and authentic that extends to not only the phrase 'Shortcut Through The Garden' but the relatable aspect it holds, that's what makes it special. We had a lot of fun around those cabbages tho! Haha. 

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE SHOOT?

I love every single project that I've been part of. Soda party has to be my personal favorite. I had so much fun while creating + we got to drink on set. 

FAVOURITE KENYAN FASHION BRAND?

Muyishime.

FAVOURITE KENYAN DESIGNER?

@muyishime

3 SONGS ON YOUR CURRENT PLAYLIST?

Sauti Sol - Nenda Lote tops the list. Definitely a banger.

Tupac - Changes.  

Xenniah Manasseh - See me. 

2020 IN ONE WORD?

Erratic. 

WHAT DOES 2021 HAVE ON OFFER?

I'm hoping for more collabs, hopefully international commissions and definitely more dope content coming through from 199xKenya. WATCH OUT!