"I’m the best version of myself in Mombasa"

"I think it makes sense that we would be able to communicate with plants", says Wanuri Kahiu
1. If I was on your doorstep right now, where would you take me?
I am particularly fond of Mombasa. There is something about being on the east coast that is magic. I am inspired when I’m in Mombasa. It’s the people, the ocean, the smell, the food, the coconuts. I didn't grow up in Mombasa - I grew up in Nairobi - but I’m the best version of myself in Mombasa. I don’t feel so at home anywhere else in the world.
2. What book would you bring along?
I’ve been reading a book by Nnedi Okorafor. She wrote a fantasy book called ‘Who fears death’. I grew up with fantasy stories and fairy tales. The African storybooks are all about talking animals and that kind of mythology. I think it makes sense that we would be able to communicate with plants!
3. Who else would you take along?
I would really like to spend time with Fela Kuti, even though he’s past away. Also I really like the people that I’m spending time with now. I would drag them along.
4. Who do you call all the time?
I call my producer very often. I talk to her maybe two or three times a day. And I talk to my close friends every day. There’s a group of three people. One is a photographer, the other is a graphic designer and one is a stylist and a clothes designer. We chat, send e-mails, I Skype on the phone when I can get service. On my phone it’s easier than on a computer.
5. Who or what makes you laugh most?
With my friends because they know me the best. The have the ability to look at my life, analyse it and make fun of it. Because of them I never take myself too seriously.
6. What made you decide to do what you do?
When I was growing up I was a bookworm. And I was a television addict. So when I realised that I could combine the two and that my career would allow me to watch TV and read books, it made perfect sense to me.
7. Being a role model yourself, who is your role model?
The Kenyan environmental and political activist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I made a documentary about her so I had a chance to observe her. She’s one of the strongest women I know. She never waivers. I find her courageous. She is so dedicated to one goal. She taught me: You need to have a clear goal and work towards it.
8. Your first association with the Netherlands?
I remember I arrived on a huge boat when I was young. It was the first time I’d been on a boat. We visited friends of the family in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, my memories are very stereotypical: wooden shoes and windmills. I remember saying: "So this is Europe?"
9. I'm proud to be an African, because...
Every time I go to a different African country I feel as if a new part of me is opening up and appreciating what it really means to be African. It feels great being a part of this continent, with all its colours, ethnicities and religions.
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