Meet Shambe Badila

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shambe Badila.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shambe. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Sometimes it’s like I almost forget its blood and not paint running through my veins. Everyone in my family is an artist, so I always grew up immersed in the arts…

My great grandmother studied under Hale Woodruff, my grandmother is an actress and singer, my aunts and uncles are all creators and performers. I started painting seriously after my grandfather, Elombe Badila, passed away.

He’s one of my main influences, another multiform artist. Not only was he a world-renowned painter, but he was also a dancer and choreographer, who made it his life work to share the rich Afrikan history and culture with the world.

I started working with ARTlanta Gallery when I was 16, and through them, I was introduced to the Atlanta art scene. Under the guidance of Tyree Smith, I was then inspired to not only be a painter but an overall creative – director/curator/designer, etc…

Now I’m 19, curating my first solo exhibition, “Peach Cobbla,” May 10th, 2019 at City Of Ink.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve never had struggles foreign to any average Black man growing up in America. As far as my career, I never really had any major obstacles… My spirit and energy are very powerful, so I’ve always manifested what I needed and where I needed to be.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am my own creative brand. I’m a painter, illustrator, designer, and project/event curator and director. I create work that catches everyone’s eye while dropping real Afro-conscious spiritual downloads… My purpose is to elevate and lead my people through my creations of activism.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As an Aquarius, my heads always in the future, ready for what’s next… So success to me is moving on to my next project, and being satisfied with my last. But my biggest “success” moments can come from the smallest things, like a smile on black kids face, to see positive representation and influence in my work.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosthighshambe/

Image Credit:
Shambe Badila (@mosthighshambe), Quattro Occhi (@_4eyedmonster_)

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