This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
Artcaffe's offer to creatives to design artworks for their take-away coffee cups in exchange for exposure has sparked intense online debate. Kiss 100 presenter Jalang'o has now weighed in on the discussion, defending the coffee shop's initiative.
According to Jalang'o, creatives sometimes just need a platform to showcase their work, and Artcaffe's offer provides just that. He cited his own experience, where he was given the opportunity to host the World Cup trophy tour at Nyayo stadium in 2010, which led to him getting paid for his work.
"I'm a product of exposure," Jalang'o said. "When I started at the theatre, our pay was just a packet of chips and salamu, but that exposure got me to be seen, and now I get paid for what I exposed!"
He also argued that exposure only pays when you know what to do with it, and that Artcaffe's offer is a great opportunity for budding artists to get their work showcased. "If I was an arts artist struggling to have my work out there, I would be at Artcaffe now!" he said.
Artcaffe also defended themselves, stating that the whole purpose of the competition is to give artists and designers exposure and opportunity by using their platforms to reach a wide audience with their skill and craft.
