Transforming art - 30th June 2023

Graffiti's been part of the scenery in Senegal for decades. Frequently associated with hip hop culture, protest and even vandalism, a new school in the country's seeking to change how this art form is viewed.

The RBS Akademya was founded by a collective of graffiti artists including Serigne Mansour Fall. Fall believes that working with this art form will help people understand their own situation.

Serigne Mansour Fall: "In fact, the idea wasn't to just educate the young to use this art as a means of making money, even if it's perfectly legitimate and legal. But also, young people who understand the realities of their time, who understand the realities of their people, who also understand the sacrifice that was made to bring us to this point."

In setting up the school, the founders' aim was to preserve the art of graffiti, where experts could share their experience with those wishing to follow in their footsteps.

Each student takes part in three theory and practice lessons a week over a 6 month period, trying different techniques and finding their style.

Ibrahima Soumaré sees it as a way of improving himself.

Ibrahima Soumaré: "I was at school, but I could no longer concentrate on my studies. And since I felt very comfortable with drawing, I decided to leave school to come here, to better my skill-set here to improve myself further."

For Libasse Sarr graffiti's a non-violent way of getting his voice heard.

Libasse Sarr: "For me, graffiti is a tool that allows me to manifest and express myself. While people are in the streets to demonstrate with violence, art allows us to be noble and to put messages on the walls that will not go unnoticed."

Students pay an enrollment fee of 40 euros and around 23 euros a month to attend the school. There are only four students per class and they get ample opportunity to learn from the founders. At the end of the course, they'll leave with a certificate and the knowledge that they'll have to work hard to make a living from their art.