This archive report was first published on 4 June 2020.
Published on June 4, 2020, by ABIGAIL ARUNGA
Kavengi Kitonga is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for herself as a visual artist, researcher, and make-up artist. Her work can be found on Instagram @miss_kitonga and at Edgy Bold on Facebook.
Kitonga's journey into economics was accidental, but it ultimately led her to discover her passion for research. She explains, 'Research is almost like preparing a defense, only that the audience is a journal paper.' Her natural inclination towards arguments and logic has made research a perfect fit for her.
Kitonga's artistic side has been a part of her since she was young, but she didn't get to explore it until later in life. She discovered her passion for make-up after campus, and the more she learned, the more she loved it. In fact, she's not just a make-up artist, but also a singer!
One of Kitonga's most memorable experiences was working with the Tinga Tinga musical. She was given the freedom to develop fresh ideas, which she thoroughly enjoyed. This experience has taught her that creativity requires structure and discipline.
Kitonga's academic background has been instrumental in her creative career. She follows a strict routine that includes one hour of make-up practice and one hour of theory, followed by meditation. This routine has helped her understand the intricacies of make-up and has paved the way for her transition from make-up application to visual artistry.
Kitonga's name, Edgy Bold, reflects the kind of work she aims to produce. She plans to fearlessly articulate her 'wild' ideas and integrate various forms of make-up beyond beauty and body art. The Kenyan make-up application industry is developing well, but Kitonga believes there's still room for growth.
When asked about the curfew and violence that have plagued the country since its introduction, Kitonga believes that everyone has the right to speak on anything they want. She thinks that artists should be free to comment on such issues, even if their opinions may differ.
