Paul Kelemba (Maddo)
Profile: Paul Kelemba (Maddo)
Board Chairman and Creative Innovations
In the vibrant heart of Nairobi, where stories pulse with life and culture intertwines with satire, Paul Kelemba, affectionately known as Maddo, weaves his magic through the ink of his pen. For 35 years, he has crafted the beloved weekly full-page cartoon feature, It’s a Madd, Madd World, a sharp, witty lens on the kaleidoscope of politics, society, and the arts published in The Saturday Standard.
Born in 1962, Kelemba’s journey as a cartoonist and illustrator began in the bustling streets of Nairobi. His artistic voice found a home in several esteemed publications, including The Daily Nation, where his unique vision sparked conversations and ignited laughter. Beyond the traditional canvas, he has also created impactful IEC materials for UN agencies and civil society organizations, and his themed comics have gained recognition through collaborations with Cartoon Movement.
In the 1990s, he introduced readers to Miguel Sede, a daring action hero comic strip that captured imaginations and hearts alike. His compilation, It’s a Madd Madd World 2007-2011: The Hot Years, published in 2012, showcases a rich tapestry of his work during a transformative era in Kenyan history.
But Kelemba’s contributions extend beyond the comic strip. As a founding member of Ketebul Music, he dedicates himself to the research and preservation of East African music, ensuring that its rhythms and stories echo through generations. He brings his passion for culture to the screen as well, serving on the board of Buni Media Limited and hosting the nostalgic music program Maddo’s Goldies on KBC English Service.
His artistry and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Kelemba’s accolades include the Kenya@50 Heroes Award for Outstanding Contribution to Kenya’s History from Kenyatta University (2013), the CNN Multichoice African Journalist Award in the GE Energy & Infrastructure Category (2015), and the prestigious Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government (2022). In recognition of his lifetime dedication to journalism, he received the Lifetime Contribution in Journalism Award from the Media Council of Kenya in 2022. He is also a proud alumnus of the Bellagio Center Residency.
Away from the drawing board, Kelemba is a devoted father, navigating life as a widower with his three children: two daughters, one an illustrator and the other a lawyer, and a son who thrives as an IT specialist. Together, they embody the creative spirit that runs through his veins.
Through his cartoons, music, and activism, Paul Kelemba (Maddo) continues to illuminate the complexities of life, reminding us that in a madd, madd world, laughter and art are our greatest allies.
