Set design is an integral part of creating meaningful scenery for photo shoots, live events, concerts or film productions. Over the past couple of years we have seen a rise in young, innovative set designers who are breaking boundaries in Kenya’s creative scene through creating immersive atmospheres

In no particular order, here are some Kenyans killing it in the set design game right now:

Vinose & Co.

Also known as Vinette Khakai, Vinose & Co. is the brains behind many of your favourite sets. Some of them include events such as  YM Life, The Whinedown, Drip or Drown, just to name a few. She also works closely with NIT Studio in Upper Hill, offering the same services and her work has also been featured in YM Life digital magazine. Vinette’s signature is creating sets that are very playful and display light but abstract luxury.

Nitakacho

Also known as Mary Muko, who curated the beautiful set design for our last Tangaza & Friends event at Muze earlier this year, has created sets for fashion shoots, concerts like the Melanated Summer Fest, album covers such as Antoneosoul’s ‘Welcome 2 My Soul’,  podcasts like Safe Space Podcast and a magazine feature in Tap Magazine through Fazzine. 

Her work can be described as fairytales brought to life given her ability to transform any space into a wonderland through her warmth and creativity. 

Bakhita

You may know Bakhita as a singer/songwriter. However as a multidisciplinary artist, they are also a creative set designer. They have worked with YM Life, Beneath The Baobabs, Jvmhuri Events as well as developing sets for their own music videos and other artists like Blocka Beats . Characterised by depth, colour and warmth their sets have a definitive way of keeping the subject front and centre all while immersed in striking scenes and aesthetics. 

Luca

Luca has built herself a team that knows how to get things done. She works closely with Maria Besie to build sets for fashion pop ups, parties, film productions, outdoor events and fashion shoots. Calling herself a fashion entrepreneur, she also predominantly styles said sets with her team. We call that an innovative hard worker! Give Luca a concept and she will execute it seemingly effortlessly. Some of her work includes; Drip or Drown, Smirnoff and Furaha Collective.  

Studio 18

The men behind studio 18 are fashion designers who can also build a set. Their recent creations at Chez Sonia and Nairobi Street Kitchen prove that design is a talent that can morph in many different mediums. Their sets provide a great background for their garments and the people that wear them. Definitely perfect for a fashion shoot.