Hollywood meets Nairobi: CCH Pounder and Angela Robinson-Witherspoon’s Visit Signals a New Chapter for East Africa’s Art Market

It all started with a phone call. When devoted art collector and US-based actress CCH Pounder, joined by Angela Robinson-Witherspoon, landed in Nairobi, the visit was far from a glamorous detour, it was a testament to East Africa’s dynamic and fast-evolving contemporary art scene. From intimate studio visits with Sudanese artist Eltayeb Dawelbait to curated meet-and-greets hosted by Thaddeus Wamukoya’ Tewasart Gallery’s, their presence cast a global spotlight on local talent and reaffirmed the power of meaningful artist-collector relationships. In this entry, Thaddeus Wamukoya reflects on the trip,  one that unfolded as Nairobi quietly but confidently positions itself as an essential destination for collectors of African art.

Studio Visit: Eltayeb Dawelbait | Image: ben.zyde_photography | Courtesy of the artist

NAIROBI - When CCH POUNDER’s manager called to share the incredible news that the Guyanese–American actress would be in Nairobi for a few days, I could hardly believe it. As one of my most committed patrons, her visit felt both an honour and a clear opportunity: to introduce her to artists I thought she would truly connect with, beyond the young talents I’ve been promoting through online catalogues, several of whose works she has already collected virtually. 

At that moment, I was already in conversation with Sudanese artist Eltayeb Dawelbait about a possible exhibition for emerging Egyptian artist Ronza Emara. In typical spontaneous fashion, I decided that our first stop would be Eltayeb’s studio. Located in Westlands, Nairobi,  Dawelbait’s studio feels like stepping into a living museum. His rich layered works in reclaimed wood and paper sit alongside shelves of art books, sculptures, and functional objects shaped by his unmistakable hand. Even the painted pillows and chairs seem to carry his artistic presence. At one moment, he showed us a painted juice packet, gently offering a lesson on trusting the artistic process. The wood he works on carries stories of its own—many pieces are salvaged from old Westlands houses now being demolished to make way for new developments. He intentionally preserves the natural tones of the wood, allowing its history to breathe through the work.

Studio of Eltayeb Dawelbait, © Courtesy of the Artist

I found myself particularly drawn to his panels on reclaimed wood. Featuring his iconic faces, etched surfaces, and a bold but intentional palette, these works possess a raw, atmospheric presence. His colour choices feel both raw and intentional; the weathered wood carries emotion, memory, and the trace of the artist’s tactile process. Soft, muted earth tones—creams, tans, and clay-like browns—introduce warmth and grounding, balancing the stronger pigments and giving the silhouettes a sculptural weight. Deep ink black and smoky charcoal grey define the contours of the figures, creating ghostlike outlines that hover between abstraction and portraiture.

Marked with the numbers 0, 30, and 101, he explained that these refer to Nairobi’s matatu route numbering system—a subtle yet resonant layer of place, memory, and meaning woven into his practice. Beyond the art, Ronza graciously served us Egyptian coffee and bites as she spoke to the guests about her work, her short stay in Nairobi, and the one-day showcase she was hosting later that evening. What made the moment special was how naturally this studio visit set the tone for the next one, leaving everyone energized and deeply immersed in the experience. 

Eltayeb remains one of the most underrepresented contemporary African artists from East Africa on the global stage. I hope this encounter with CCH Pounder and Angela Robinson Witherspoon becomes a catalyst, opening the door to the kind of serious international exposure and exhibitions his work so clearly deserves.

CCH Pounder in conversation with Egyptian artist Ronza Emara, Studio Visit: Eltayeb Dawelbait. Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography © Courtesy of the artist

The Middle Ground Group Show at Kofisi Kaskazi

Our next stop took us to The Middle Ground group show by Seven Artists at Kofisi Kaskazi, along General Mathenge Road—a corporate coworking space that has dedicated its entire seventh-floor walls to contemporary art. This ongoing commitment fosters meaningful dialogue between Nairobi’s contemporary art scene and the corporate world, advancing the conversation around integrating art into corporate environments while also encouraging investment in art at an institutional level. Guided by my long-term friend Kui Wachira and their art liaison, we gained deeper insight into Kofisi’s long-term mission. We also viewed their private collection, which includes several commissioned works. One standout was a piece by Kepha Mosoti.

We were further privileged to be joined by emerging artists Rasto Cyprian, Taabu Munyoki, and Maori Wasike, who shared the stories and inspirations behind their work. CCH Pounder owns a piece by Rasto Cyprian, so this was a great way to meet him and a great artistic exchange between artist and collector.

The Middle Group Exhibition walkabout at Kofisi Art. Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography © Courtesy of the artist

CCH Pounder meets Kenyan Artist Rasto Cyprian at Kofisi Art. Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography © Courtesy of the artist

Kofisi Private Art Collection.Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography © Courtesy of Kofisi Art

Artist-Collector Meet and Greet at The Bota House, Curated by Tewasart Gallery

Our final stop brought us at The Bota House in Spring Valley—a co-working and meeting space nestled within a serene, mature garden—where we hosted an intimate artist–collectors meet-and-greet session with CCH Pounder and Angela Robinson Witherspoon.  It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce some of the incredible talents we’ve been privileged to collaborate with over the years: Erick Stickky Muriithi, Fridah IJAI , Sharon GEKONGE, Sharon WENDO, Doreen MUENI, Ngatia WAMBUGU, Sheila BAYLEY, and Nadia WAMUNYU. This meeting was completely unscripted, created simply to allow each artist present to share their personal stories and artistic journeys with the visiting collectors. For many, it was an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime moment—an opportunity that is rarely afforded to emerging or mid-career artists. Despite a tight schedule and Angela having another personal appointment, both CCH Pounder and Angela Robinson listened with patience, intention, and genuine curiosity. Their willingness to stay longer than planned made the session deeply meaningful and unforgettable for everyone involved.

“‘I collect what I resonate with’ she commented during our lunch meeting.
She recounted her journey as a collector, tracing it back to her contemporary art experiences in Senegal with her late husband, Boubacar Koné. They married in 1990 and co-founded the Musée Boribana in 1993, which they later gifted to the nation in 2014.”

CCH Pounder meets Kenyan Artists Fridah Ijai & Ngatia Wambugu. Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography

Kofisi Private Art Collection. Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography © Courtesy of Kofisi Art

Angela Robinson Witherspoon meets Kenyan Artist Sheila Bayley. Photograph : Ben.Zyde Photography

Lunch with CCH Pounder and Special Screening of Angela Robinson-Witherspoon’s Documentary Betye Saar: Ready to Be a Warrior at Kenyatta University, Department of Communication, Media, Film, and Theatre Studies

CCH Pounder is far from an ordinary collector, she is a force of nature, a cultural powerhouse. Her first encounter with Tewasart Gallery was at the Prizm Art Fair in Miami in 2021, where she acquired a work by Kenyan artist Nadia Wamunyu. Since then, Nadia has gained significant visibility, participating in both local and international exhibitions.

In the meantime, our engagement with CCH Pounder steadily deepened as we regularly shared online catalogues and exhibition updates letting her know about artists. Over time, her collection grew to include works by John Bosco Muramuzi, Rasto Cyprian, Tibeb Sirak, and soon, Eltayeb Dawelbait. Along the way, she has provided invaluable art advisory and guidance, offering insights from a global perspective which holds particular meaning and depth for a young Black gallerist navigating the global art landscape. 

“I collect what I resonate with,” she commented during our lunch meeting. She recounted her journey as a collector, tracing it back to her contemporary art experiences in Senegal with her late husband, Boubacar Koné. They married in 1990 and co-founded the Musée Boribana in 1993, which they later gifted to the nation in 2014.  Koné passed away in 2016, but their shared vision and commitment to art continue to inspire her collecting practice. Beyond gaining insights into the Nairobi art ecosystem, we explored the reason for her Nairobi visit: special film screenings, workshops, and the official studio launch of Kenyan artist Kaloki Nyamai. Her schedule also included a guided tour around Kamene Centre and visits to a few major art spaces such as Circle Art Gallery, The African Arts Trust, NCAI 254, among others. 

Beyond contemporary art, CCH Pounder and Angela Robinson-Witherspoon had another mission — to inspire young filmmakers and students. They visited KCA University Town Campus, Monrovia Street, and Kenyatta University along Thika Road, offering a double masterclass straight from Hollywood and a Film & TV workshop, respectively.

I was fortunate to attend the Kenyatta University session, which included a special screening of Angela’s new documentary, Betye Saar: Ready to Be a Warrior. The film was also screened at Century Cinemax, Two Rivers. I also participated in the Film & TV workshop at Kenyatta University, gaining firsthand insight into their teaching and engagement with aspiring filmmakers.

From this enriching experience, one key message for young filmmakers stood out: start small, collaborate widely with peers, and cultivate a local audience. Many students were eager to know how to get their films on Netflix, but the two acclaimed actresses encouraged them to first build a name and brand locally before expanding internationally. 

This advice resonated deeply with me. When I began, I never imagined I would one day sit with influential collectors like Pounder. My early years were entirely rooted in the local art scene,  and now that vision has expanded.

“Contemporary East African art is gaining recognition, and Nairobi is attracting influential art collectors and gallerists. The local audience must adjust to this new reality.”

— Thaddeus Wamukoya, TewasArt Gallery

During the session, one student asked about monetisation at the early stages of a filmmaking career, particularly when one is still unknown. Unlike CCH Pounder, who secured significant film roles early in her career, Angela shared a candid perspective: do whatever it takes to keep going. She spoke about taking modelling jobs, selling clothes, and finding creative ways to sustain herself while auditioning. She also highlighted the potential of social platforms like TikTok and Meta, citing her son’s success on TikTok as an example of how to leverage digital tools for exposure and growth.

Attending such an informative session reminded me of how naïve I was a decade ago when I began my journey in contemporary art. Experience has been my greatest teacher — along with the support of incredible patrons like CCH Pounder.

What CCH Pounder and Angela Robinson-Witherspoon’s Visit Means for Nairobi’s Contemporary Art Scene

If you had told me  in 2019 that, seven years later, I would be guiding two acclaimed Hollywood actresses and contemporary art collectors through our gallery, I would have laughed it off. But today, my perspective is very different. Despite the challenges of our underdeveloped art economy — limited funding, insufficient infrastructure, and the uphill task of hosting ambitious initiatives like regional biennales or art fairs — their visit affirms that we are on the right path. Contemporary East African art is gaining recognition, and Nairobi is attracting influential art collectors and gallerists. The local audience must adjust to this new reality.

For Tewasart Gallery, this visit opens doors to a global audience. Our artists were privileged to meet two remarkable collectors who offered undivided attention, thoughtful engagement, and invaluable career advice. Most importantly, they emphasized collaboration and the need to strengthen the local art industry before fixating solely on the international stage. We hope their visit inspires more individuals and corporations to be intentional in creating space for visual art within their environments. My advice: go beyond supporting artists at the studio level or offering accessible exhibition opportunities. Building non-profit art centers could be part of a long-term solution for nurturing talent and sustaining the industry.

Nevertheless, the Nairobi contemporary art scene continues to evolve, and despite the challenges, it keeps moving forward, gaining momentum, visibility, and global relevance.

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