Kenyan multidisciplinary artist and creative changemaker Alvina Gachugu, who artistically and preferably goes by Madame shE³, is seeking media coverage from GhanaMedia.net as she represents Kenya in the CANEX Create-Thon 2026.
Gachugu is presenting “UBUNTU ~ I AM BECAUSE WE ARE”, a 71-second creative film exploring connection, belonging, shared humanity and the idea that separation is an illusion.
Public voting for the creative competition is currently open from 18 to 28 September 2026.
Supporters can watch the project and vote for UBUNTU through the official CANEX Create-Thon voting page. According to Gachugu, voting is free, with supporters able to share the project with their networks after voting.
The creative journey also extends beyond film. Gachugu says the song featured in UBUNTU is her own original composition, created during the competition period. The version currently heard in the film is a demo, with the song scheduled to receive a live performance on Mazingira Day, 10 October 2026.
She is expected to perform the song at the 9th Edition of Filmmakers Hangout at Nairobi Cinema from 10am. The event is free upon registration, with registration available through the official Filmmakers Hangout registration page.
Gachugu describes the project as a developing creative journey connecting music, film, performance, storytelling and creative changemaking. The broader message behind UBUNTU centres on a question she says is at the heart of the work: “What happens when we remember that we belong to one another?”
Through her outreach to media organisations, Gachugu is seeking to bring greater attention to her Kenyan representation in the African creative competition and encourage audiences to watch the work before making their voting decisions.
The story presents an opportunity to explore how African creatives are using film, music and storytelling to engage audiences around themes of identity, community, belonging and shared humanity.
