Artist profile ， Archive record

Charles Sekano

Charles Sekano was a South African painter, draftsperson, and jazz musician who became a central figure in Nairobi’s fine art landscape during his 30-year exile in Kenya.

Born 1943 Sophiatown, Johannesburg, South Africa Oil pastel on paper, pastel, acrylic on paper, mixed media, and piano music
Training Self-directed; built his artistic practice independently in Nairobi while working as a jazz pianist in local nightlife venues
Mentor Self-directed
Charles Sekano

Source: Red Hill Art Gallery


01 - Photographs

Artist photographs

No artist photographs have been added yet.


02 - Introduction

The artist behind the stories


Fusing visual art with musical rhythm, Sekano produced glowing, color-saturated oil pastel works that celebrated urban African womanhood, Nairobi nightlife, and human intimacy.


At a glance

artist's full name
Charles Sekano
born
1943
birthplace
Sophiatown, Johannesburg, South Africa
nationality
South African
medium
Oil pastel on paper, pastel, acrylic on paper, mixed media, and piano music
education
Self-taught visual artist and musician
training
Self-directed; built his artistic practice independently in Nairobi while working as a jazz pianist in local nightlife venues
mentor
Self-directed
gallery watatu
Represented as a core gallery artist at Gallery Watatu during his three decades in Nairobi, featuring in major exhibitions organized by Ruth Schaffner
known for
Vibrant oil pastel depictions of urban African women, Nairobi's jazz clubs and nightlife, sensual figurative compositions, vibrant blocks of color, and Cubist-inspired abstractions
notable exhibitions
Gallery Watatu Solo & Group Showcases, Red Hill Art Gallery Exhibitions, Exhibitions across Germany, the Netherlands, Works held in permanent collections including the Völkerkunde Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum
active period
1960s – 2024(died 2024)

Biography

Born in 1943 in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, Charles Sekano came of age in an iconic cultural center known for its jazz, literature, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. At age 21, he left South Africa, embarking on a path through several African countries before settling in Kenya.

Arriving in Nairobi in the late 1960s, Sekano established himself as both a fine artist and a jazz pianist, performing in local hotels, clubs, and venues. His nocturnal surroundings provided the subject matter for his visual art.

Arriving in Nairobi in the late 1960s, Sekano established himself as both a fine artist and a jazz pianist, performing in local hotels, clubs, and venues. His nocturnal surroundings provided the subject matter for his visual art.

In Nairobi, Sekano joined the select circle of artists represented by Gallery Watatu. Under Ruth Schaffner’s management, his oil pastel works were exhibited regularly and acquired by international collectors, museums, and galleries across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Following political transitions in South Africa in 1997, Sekano returned home after three decades in Kenya. He continued his creative practice until his passing in 2024. His works remain sought-after pieces at international art auctions (such as Art Auction East Africa and Bonhams) and are preserved in museum collections globally.

03 - Education

Education

1943–1964
Grew up in the culturally vibrant neighborhood of Sophiatown before departing South Africa at age 21.
1960s–1970s
Developed his skills as a self-taught visual artist and jazz pianist while living in exile across Africa before settling in Nairobi.
04 - Artistic practice

Artistic practice

Materials

Oil pastels on heavy paper, pastels, acrylic paints, mixed media, and charcoal.

Techniques

Bold color blocking, flat Cubist plane division, crisp contour line work, rich velvety surface shading, and high-contrast color harmonies.

Working methods

Drawing on his experiences as a performing jazz pianist, Sekano captured the mood and aesthetic of Nairobi's cafes, bars, and music lounges, translating rhythmic syncopation into visual forms.

Themes

No themes have been added yet.

Subjects

No subjects have been added yet.

05 - Historical context

Gallery Watatu connection

Charles Sekano was one of Gallery Watatu's most prominent artists throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. His vibrant oil pastel portraits provided a colorful counterpoint within the gallery's exhibits. Gallery Watatu served as his primary creative and commercial platform during his three decades in Kenya, establishing his legacy within East African visual art history.

06 - Oral history

Conversations with Charles Sekano

No interviews have been added yet.

07 - Artists & people

Relationships & networks

Ruth Schaffner

Ruth Schaffner

Gallerist / Patron

Director of Gallery Watatu who represented Sekano during his 30 years in Kenya and promoted his art internationally.

08 - Exhibition history

Selected exhibitions

A record of key exhibitions that have showcased the work, vision and journey of the artist.

1970s–1990s

Gallery Watatu Regular Solo & Group Shows

Nairobi, Kenya
1990s–2000s

International Shows in Germany, the Netherlands, UK & USA

Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London & New York
2010s–Present

Red Hill Art Gallery & Art Auction East Africa Showcases

Nairobi, Kenya
09 - Documentation

Archival materials & sources

  • Artist photographs
  • Exhibition catalogues
  • Invitations and posters
  • Artwork photographs
  • Press coverage
  • Letters and correspondence
  • Interview recordings and transcripts
  • Artist interview
  • Gallery archive materials
  • Published articles and reviews
  • Oral histories and personal recollections
10 - Selected Works

Works in the Archive

Diawara & Schaffner Archive

Preserving the history of Gallery Watatu and the artists who shaped its legacy.

This profile is part of a growing digital resource dedicated to preserving the history of Gallery Watatu and the artists, exhibitions, and communities that shaped its legacy.

Explore the Archive →