Born in Ghana and later settled in Kenya in the 70’s, he was
one of Africa’s leading comic artists. He shares in the honour of fellow
renowned cartoonist such as Paul Kalemba (MADDO), Godfrey Mwampebwa (GADO), and
James Kamawira (KHAM). He became popular because of Akokhan, the comic strip
that is published every Saturday.
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| Image source: Bunimedia.com |
“Where grass has grown, grass
will grow”
A phrase repeated in
the Akokhan story
Frank’s work consisted of political satire, fantasy comics,
caricatures, civil education illustrations, and children’s comics. His work was
widely published in numerous newspapers in East Africa and beyond such as the
Daily Nation, East African Standard (Kenya), Kenya Times, Vision (Uganda)
Ugandan Monitor, Daily Graphic (Ghana), Noticias (Mozambique), Helsingen
Sonamat (Finland),and Dejembe Dapanda (Denmark) . He was also featured on BBC
Radio and BBC Focus on Africa magazine.
Other notable works to his name include:
The “Golgoti: The development of underdevelopment” series
that was published in newspapers in Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania (1995).
“I will be back shortly” (2001)
“Laban”, a comic on Samburu warrior with HIV who has Faith
on getting involved with a girl who moves to town.
“I see everything”
“Akokhan, More Than a Comic Story”, another book he
authored.
In 1991, he met with Leif Packalen in Nairobi, a member of
the World Comics Finland. In 1998, he co-authored “Comics with an Attitude,” a
book published by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Grab a copy of
the book Here "Comics with an Attitude"
He was the chairperson of KATUNI, the Kenya Association of
Cartoonists and director of Four Dimension Innovative and Buni Ltd. Frank has
been voted Kenya’s Cartoonist of the year in 1985, 1986 and 2004. He was also
awarded The Witty Pen Award from the Arctic Comics Society in Finland. He also had
a “Best Cartoonist Award” from former President Moi.
He passed away aged 64 in a road accident on Jogoo Road
yesterday.
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