Hollywood superstar Will Smith has recently shown his support for Kenyan animators, particularly commending the work of Fat Boy Animations.

This endorsement came after the release of a captivating short film titled “My Level Is Here,” which caught the attention of the actor known for his roles in blockbuster movies like “Men in Black” and “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

Will Smith, took to various social media platforms to express his admiration for the animation, highlighting the talent and creativity of the Kenyan artists behind the project.

Kapinto, a character brought to life by Michael Muthiga’s Fat Boy Animations, has captured the hearts of audiences with his unique appearance and engaging humorous short clips.

Voiced by TikToker Kapinto himself, this character has gained widespread recognition, with Will Smith sharing one of Kapinto’s viral videos and expressing his admiration with the words “I love this character.”

Details of  Clips Shared by Will Smith

In the shared video, Kapinto humorously delves into the notion of praying for one’s enemies, demonstrating a mix of cleverness and charisma.

“God when you bless me don’t forget to bless others especially my enemies, bless them 100-fold,” said the red-haired character.

Furthermore, this clip resonated widely among fans, who eagerly shared it across multiple platforms, enhancing Kapinto’s visibility on a global scale.

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Another clip highlighted by Will Smith showcases Kapinto exuding self-assurance and empowerment, confidently asserting his dominance over critics.

In the clip, Kapinto boldly declares, “My level is here, my level is up high yours is down in the dust, that is the difference.”

Smith prompted his followers to share the clip, underscoring its empowering theme of self-confidence.

“Send to that one friend who needs a reminder,” read Will Smith’s caption.

Will Smith’s recognition of Kapinto and Fat Boy Animations not only showcases the power of the internet in amplifying creativity but also highlights the diverse voices and talents emerging from the Kenyan animation scene.

The Man Behind Fatboy Animations

Michael Muthiga, is the creative force behind Fatboy animations with some of his work being showcased in commercials on Kenyan television.

Muthiga’s best known work is the advertisement, known locally as Faiba, which promotes Jamii Telecom Limited’s (JTL)  fibre optic services.

Also, Muthiga’s animated productions have proved quite popular among Kenyan television audiences and social media users.

He started his animation company, Fatboy Animations, in 2010 and has since been recognized by Forbes magazine twice –in 2014 and 2016, as one of 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa.

Reflecting on his journey, Michael Muthiga shared insights into his childhood nickname, Fat Boy, which later inspired his animation venture.

Muthiga’s Journey as a Kenyan Animator

Growing up in Nairobi, Michael loved watching cartoons and was curious about how his favorite shows were made.

Without access to the internet, he had limited information about animation, and it was only once he was in high school that his art teacher introduced him to illustration and 3D animations.

Despite initial concerns from his parents about his artistic pursuits potentially distracting him from his studies, Muthiga’s passion for animation remained unwavering.

“My parents were initially wary of my artistic pursuits, fearing it would distract me from my studies. However, the urge to create was too strong to ignore.” said Muthiga in a past interview.

After studying civil engineering and learning animation through online tutorials, Muthiga founded Fat Boy Animations, starting from humble beginnings in his bedroom.

“After high school, the pressure to cast my net wide got to me and just to be safe, I joined Nottingham University in Malaysia and studied Civil Engineering. I also learnt animation to keep my artistic side engaged. I graduated as an engineer and came back home but I never set out to work as one.”

“I tried to venture into engineering, but the animation just wouldn’t go. Eventually I stopped fighting. It has always been an easy thing for me to do,” said Muthiga.

He later joined the production team of Tinga Tinga Tales, a children’s cartoon series based on African folk tales, where he honed his skills.

His dedication and hard work paid off when his work caught the attention of Jamii Telecom Limited, leading to significant opportunities in the industry.

Growth of African Talent in the global sphere

Muthiga’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance and relentless effort in achieving success. As he aptly stated, “Luck may play a role, but true success is the result of preparedness and relentless effort.”

The impact of Will Smith’s endorsement goes beyond just a social media post; it signifies a shift in the perception of African talent in the global entertainment industry.

Also Read: Kenyan Receives Tech Recognition Abroad

By recognizing Kenyan animators like Muthiga and Fat Boy Animations, Smith has brought attention to the wealth of creativity and skill present in Africa, opening doors for more opportunities and collaborations on an international scale.

As Fat Boy Animations continues to revel in this celebrity endorsement, the Kenyan animation industry stands poised for further growth and recognition on a global stage.