In the vibrant, often precarious world of Nairobi’s creative industry, the leap from being a background performer to a leading face is rarely made alone. It takes a village—or in this case, a collective of industry heavyweights—to turn a quiet dream into a professional reality. Last month, a high-impact collaboration brought together Chris Muriithi, Chiki Kuruka, Willis Chimano, Far from Blushbox, and photographer Manu Jamba for a singular Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project: building a professional modeling portfolio for Fred, a queer dancer now ready to command the lens.
From the Background to the Forefront
Fred is no stranger to the stage. Last year, he was the “sassy, steel-willed” dancer backing up Willis Chimano during a legendary Blankets & Wine performance. But while his dance moves were electrifying thousands at Soulfest, his transition into modeling was a quieter, more personal ambition.
“My entire life I wanted to be a dancer and a model,” Fred shared, reflecting on the milestone. “I’m really happy my dreams are coming true. Being queer, a performer, and a model isn’t easy, but I have to do it because I want to be it. I want to show the world that you have your own power.”
Recognizing the “Masculine Sass”
For Chiki Kuruka, owner of AFusion 254 and Fred’s long-time mentor, the decision to push Fred toward modeling was instinctive. She describes his energy as a rare fusion that defies traditional boxes.
“Fred is masculine in his sassiness. It’s new,” Chiki noted. “There’s a steeliness that comes with his dance, a conviction where you believe the emotion behind every move. When myself and Chris spoke to him about modeling, he was almost shocked we had seen it. To us, anyone with eyes could see the potential.”
Styling Beyond the Binary
The shoot wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about defining a new aesthetic for queer African identity. Willis Chimano, a fashion icon in his own right, took charge of the styling, while Far of Blushbox Kenya handled the skincare and makeup.
Far’s approach was rooted in a philosophy of “fluidity,” aiming to enhance Fred’s features without tethering him to a binary gender. “Beauty defined by you—that’s the essence of this shoot,” Far explained. “Everything should be able to work for anyone. We aren’t using products labeled for women or men; we are using what works for Fred. It’s an opportunity to break down those stereotypical definitions totally.”
A Community-Driven Rise
The project illustrates a powerful form of community-led activism: using social capital to build economic sustainability for younger queer artists. Chiki recalled the shift in Fred’s confidence during the planning phase. What started with “Mommy Chiki” driving the logistics ended with Fred taking the lead, demanding updates from the busy professionals in their shared WhatsApp group.
“That small thing signified a very big shift,” Chiki said. “From being grateful someone placed you there, to believing you have a right to be there.”
As Manu Jamba—who has shot for the NBA and international teams—captured Fred’s “glare into the camera,” it became clear that this portfolio is more than just a collection of images. It is a tool for Fred to escape the socio-economic confines of Dandora and step onto the global stage he envisions.
The Vision for the Future
For Fred, the message he wants to send through his new portfolio is one of radical positivity. “A negative mind will never give you a positive life,” he says. Looking back at his journey from a shy dancer to an iconic model-in-the-making, he is resolute: “I’m going to be me. I’m going to do me.”
With the portfolio now heading to casting agents, the community that built him is waiting for the world to catch up. As Chiki Kuruka aptly put it: “Fred knows he’s not supposed to be living in Dandora. He’s supposed to be on a stage somewhere. We’re just getting the ducks in a row to make sure he ends up there.”
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