This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
Beyoncé Promotes Kenyan Photographer ¶
On August 2, 2020, Kenyan photographer Mutua Matheka took to Twitter to express his shock after discovering that his work had been featured on American singer Beyoncé Knowles' official website.
Matheka tweeted, 'I just found myself on Beyoncé’s website (actually someone sent me a screengrab on Instagram). I am shaken up. Please buy my work before I am untouchable.'
Matheka's work was posted under Beyoncé's new Black Parade column, classified under 'Directory of Black Owned Businesses'. The post generated over 7,000 likes and received a lot of plaudits.
Matheka describes himself as a travel and architectural photographer and a Ford Foundation Fellow, forged in Kenya and based in Nairobi. He has worked with various brands, including Kenya Airways, Huawei, Samsung, and Chase Bank, to create a narrative around their products and services.
Matheka is also one of the founding members of 'One Touch’, a collective of visual storytellers in Nairobi who share the common goal of increasing the narrative and awareness of Kenya and other African countries to African’s first then the world.
Matheka's work has been featured in various platforms, including CNN, which once featured his story as he set out on a mission to show a new view of African cities through photography.
Matheka's first showcase of Nairobi city was in 2012, produced by David Blackman and in conjunction with the UN-Habitat. The campaign, named ‘I’m A City Changer’, encouraged city dwellers around the world to focus on what they love about their city.
Matheka's work has been recognized globally, and his feature on Beyoncé's website is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
