Pencil portrait hands Kenyan artist date with Steve Harvey

Using his pencil and a piece of paper, Collins Omondi Okello was able to reach Steve Harvey. It was a demonstration of the power of social media, coupled with that of a dream.

Mr Omondi, a Kenyan artist, drew American comedian, businessman and entertainer Broderick Stephen Harvey, commonly known as Steve Harvey, and got the internet talking. After Omondi shared his piece of art on Twitter last week, the social media went abuzz as awestruck subscribers expressed their fascination with his talent and soon, the target had been reached.

Reacting to the masterpiece of a portrait, Harvey tweeted: “Everyone has a God-given gift. This is what following your gift looks like, just incredible.”

Reactions on Twitter were overflowing within no time, with users asking Harvey to ‘do something’ for the Kenyan artist.

And soon, Harvey, clearly impressed with Omondi’s work, informed him that he (Harvey) would be visiting Johannesburg and Botswana soon, and would use the opportunity to meet the artist to have the artwork presented to him. Omondi jumped on this opportunity to invite the host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud to Kenya.

Omondi had, once more, through pursuit of his passion, showcased his abilities. “I am actually in Nairobi, Kenya, not so far from Johannesburg or Botswana,” said Omondi, replying to Harvey. “If possible, I would be proud to invite you over to Kenya for a Safari to experience Magical Kenya as I present this portrait.”

Omondi can confirm that Harvey has contacted him privately as they arrange a meeting in the coming days.

Omondi graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2013 at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He, however, knew his future was in the studio, where pencil and paper gave him unmatched reprieve.

Armed with his two weapons, Omondi started his art, improving with time. Initially, he was content with solely developing his skill, but soon he was making money from it.

“I knew this is what I wanted to do after graduating. I gave it my all,” he says. He never practiced commerce.

Make a name

In six short years, Omondi has managed to make himself a name and a career, in the process employing, albeit indirectly, four people. They include frame designers for his portraits.

In 2014 Omondi drew a portrait of President Uhuru Kenyatta in military fatigues. Through social media, the Commander-in-Chief was able to see the photo and invited the self-taught artist to State House. Fortunes had knocked on his door and he obliged.

Omondi is able to deliver his portraits countrywide using courier services. He is based in Kisumu on Kakamega road, in a studio that is now constantly bringing the world closer home.