"Manu wa Arts": How Emmanuel Mbiri is redefining Kenyan art with airbrush magic

Emmanuel Mbiri, better known by his social media moniker MVNU Artist, radiates youthful ambition and a clear sense of purpose as he navigates his creative career path.

The mural artist has captured the attention of many who are eager to understand his unique painting techniques. Before this interview, I noticed in one of his posts that he had painted doodles, alphabets, numbers, shapes, and symbols on a wall before starting his main artwork.

"Why did you do that? Isn't that messing up the wall?" I ask.

"No. There are different ways to sketch on a wall. You need an outline before you start painting. Sometimes, you can use a pencil or felt pen, but other times, paint is necessary so the sketch doesn’t erase. The doodle grid serves as a reference point.

After that, I take a photo of the doodle-covered wall, and using image editing software, I overlay the smaller design or artwork onto the photo of the wall. It's the same concept as drawing vertical and horizontal lines before sketching," he explains.

As an airbrush artist, Emmanuel uses a specialised airbrush tool to spray paint, ink, or dye for creating artwork. This handheld device is connected to an air compressor, which provides the airflow needed for the airbrush to operate.

When and how did you begin drawing?

I started creating art in Class Two. On one trip, the bus we travelled in fascinated me, so I drew it and showed it to my teacher the next day. The kids nicknamed me 'Manu wa Arts.'

When we started learning Social Studies, I would draw maps for my classmates. In Class Five, I began monetising my work after understanding the value of money.

From Class Two to Class Five, my parents dropped me at school. Later, they started giving me bus fare. That interaction with money taught me its value.

In Form One at Jamhuri High, I took Art and Design until Form Four. Ironically, our art teacher didn’t know how to draw and only taught theory. He relied on Form Four students to teach us practical skills. However, the theory provided useful guidelines.

I disliked brush painting and preferred airbrushing, but airbrush training wasn't available in Kenya. So, I trained at Moha Graphics, learning airbrush techniques and matatu body fabrication for two years.

Did your academics ever clash with your art?

No. My parents, especially my dad, were very supportive. Any equipment I needed, he willingly provided. By Class Eight, he had invited other artists to teach me personally at home.

What challenges have you faced?

Pricing was the biggest challenge. After leaving Moha Graphics, I only knew how to price matatu work. Mural pricing is different.

I watched YouTube videos on pricing, but the rates they taught were based on the US market, which is much higher than Kenya's. Initially, I lost many clients. I asked a friend working at a tattoo shop to request his boss to let me paint for practice. I learned to track paint usage and measure walls to calculate costs accurately."

Do you now know how to price your work?

Yes. I charge Sh150 per square foot for labour. For materials, I estimate based on the image the client wants. We buy the materials before starting, and the client pays a 50 percent deposit. The remainder is paid before completion. For high walls, I ensure scaffolding or forklifts for safety.

Have you been scammed?

Yes. One client owed me Sh20,000 after I finished a project but refused to pay. I hadn't asked for a deposit. After persistent calls from my friends, he eventually paid. Now, I write contracts before starting.

How many buildings have you painted?

I've painted 10-15 buildings since 2023, both commercial and personal. A 6x6 wall takes about a day to complete.

What gives you the most satisfaction?

When a client loves the mural or when my canvas artwork turns out as I envisioned.

Where do your ideas come from?

Sometimes clients guide me. Other times, it's my imagination. For example, for a cyber café, the client mentioned it was also a photo studio, so I painted a cyborg. My imagination often flows while listening to Sauti Sol or browsing Pinterest.

What is your vision for the future?

I want to offer online courses. Every video I post generates 20-50 messages asking if I train. I could charge Sh20,000 to Sh50,000 for courses.

What advice would you give aspiring airbrush artists?

Embrace content creation. Show your work process. About 90 percent of my clients come from social media, especially TikTok. It takes time to record, but it pays off.

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