Kenya is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and diverse wildlife. However, one aspect that may not immediately come to mind when thinking of this African nation is its animation industry. But that is slowly changing thanks to the emergence of SirNare, a Kenyan animation studio founded by Kelvin Shani. In 2023 we saw African animation become globally recognized with major studios like Netflix, Cartoon Network and Disney producing African projects.
SirNare, which stands for “Stories In Real Narrative”, was established in 2015 with a mission to bring revolutionary ideas to life through animation. The studio describes itself as a team of storytellers and communication experts who are determined to use their craft to make a positive impact on the world.
Kelvin Shani, the founder of Sirnare, is a self-taught animator who developed a passion for animation at a young age. Growing up in Kenya, he was inspired by international animated films and saw an opportunity to bring African stories to life through animation.
In an interview with Kenyan newspaper, The Star, Shani shared his vision for Sirnare, stating, “We want to create animations that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. We want to use animation as a tool to influence positive change in our society.”
And that is exactly what Sirnare has been doing. The studio has created a variety of projects ranging from short films, TV commercials, and animated web series. One of their most notable works is the animated film “The Legend of Luanda Magere” which tells the story of a legendary Luo warrior who fought against colonialism in Kenya.
Apart from producing original content, Sirnare also offers animation services to clients, both locally and internationally. The studio has worked with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Safaricom, and UNICEF, showcasing their versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and themes.
What sets Sirnare apart from other animation studios is their commitment to telling authentic African stories. Through their work, they aim to showcase the rich culture, history, and traditions of Africa to a global audience. This is evident in their attention to detail and use of local languages and music in their projects.
Sirnare has also been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in the animation industry. The studio has a team of talented animators from different backgrounds, working together to create unique and impactful content. In addition, Sirnare has organized workshops and training programs to nurture young talent in Kenya and give them a platform to showcase their skills.
The success of Sirnare has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, the studio won the Best Animation Award at the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, Kenya’s premier film and TV awards ceremony. This was a significant milestone for the studio and a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Looking to the future, Sirnare has ambitious goals of expanding their reach and impact. They hope to collaborate with other African animation studios to create a strong and united African animation industry. They also plan to produce more original content and venture into the gaming industry.
Sirnare is a shining example of how one person’s passion and determination can lead to the birth of a successful animation studio. Kelvin Shani and his team have not only put Kenya on the map in the animation world but also inspired a new generation of animators in Africa. With their commitment to telling authentic stories and making a positive impact, Sirnare is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the animation industry.
