Exploring Kingo 35 years of cartooning

How did you become a cartoonist?

My name is James Gayo. I have been a cartoonist for over 35 years, and I am now approaching retirement. I have had the privilege to work with almost every newspaper in the country, and many newspapers abroad and overseas.

My inspiration was a few old comic and cartoon magazines: the Dandy, and the Bino magazine. I loved art since I was young. There was a talented artist in Mwanza, called RJ Capella. It was at his studio, Bino, that I was exposed to paintings and a diverse magazine collection, and introduced to the world of art.

I remained in Dar es Salaam after an unfulfilled promise from my brother who died in Nairobi before sending me to university in Congo to learn art. I made paintings and was later hired by Sani Magazine.

There I represented their original cartoon characters. Later I was hired by Cheka magazine, and later Kibo Paper. The first newspaper I contributed to was the weekly called Mfanyakazi. I created a character and published a commentary cartoon every week.

Did you have particular interests then?

Yes. I did political commentary cartoons for editorial cartoons and current affairs within the East African region. I recall, during the time of President Ali Hassan Mwinyi and the emergence of the Multiparty system we started making cartoons on political happenings. We were among the first cartoonists privileged to make caricatures of leaders.

How does your cartoon take shape?

My cartoon is based on what is happening. As a journalist, I have to inform; as an artist, I have to manifest the art; and as an entertainer, I have to ensure there is humour in the artwork regardless of the seriousness of the issue.

I tend to act professionally and give a light touch to matters that may not be easily spoken about. Our job as comic artists and cartoonists is to make harder news chewable.

Sometimes we manage to encroach on areas that are impenetrable for conventional journalists. I count it as success if I manage to make people laugh and smile by delivering my content with humour.

Since when has Kingo been silent?

By the way, my cartoon character was named ‘Kingo’ by a young boy who saw me drawing. Kingo was talking at some point. It was in a training on using comics and cartoons for development messages by cartoonists from Finland that I met a cartoon artist who had a silent cartoon character. I loved the idea because it can cross borders as it creates humour just by actions.

I took it as my opportunity to go international even without knowing many languages. This idea won the admiration of many. I started publishing my cartoons abroad and overseas, beginning with Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Namibia and a few other places. With Kingo becoming international, silent humour became my niche.

Have you ever got in trouble because of your cartoons?

Yes. Like any other cartoonist who meddles with politics, I have been summoned for questioning many times by the government together with editors. I have been warned severally as well. But as an artist, I remain to be the voice of truth.

What has been your motivation?

My leading motivation has been the love of art. Art is life to me, it has been rewarding and I enjoy it. Being able to put out there something that is appreciated keeps me going. It is not a job for consumption, but an artistic niche that educates and entertains.

What feedback have you been getting from the readers in the 35 years of cartooning?

These days it is easier to get feedback because of social media, especially in real time. Reactions are overwhelming. I get positive feedback from the readers both locally and internationally. I have also received positive feedback from the government, and I was acknowledged in the parliament.

However, in Tanzania, cartoon art is not taken as a serious form of communication as it is in other countries, or even as it was two to three decades ago. Cartoon art is not entirely about jokes, it is serious art flavoured with humour. Serious matters can be spoken about through cartoons.

How do you judge the evolution of cartoon art now compared to decades ago?

Back in the day, Tanzanian cartoons and comics were among the strongest in the continent. Television came later. Comic art was popular and diverse and enjoyed a rich readership. By then we had several tabloids and magazines dedicated solely to cartoons. Sani magazine published more than 150,000 copies per issue.

Meanwhile, the strength of comics and cartoons depended so much on the state of the publishing industry. When newspapers started economising they reduced the publication of cartoons. Established cartoonists became jobless and would make cartoons as a hobby. The art has waned since then. A few decades ago we were top at feeding publications abroad, but today we have newspapers with no cartoons.

Do you consider cartooning as a talent, a skill or a combo of both?

Good question. Talent comes first but it is not everything. There are people who are average in talent but their presentation is on point. Talents need to grow, to be sharpened through learning from others.

Do you consider Artificial Intelligence (AI) a threat to the art of cartooning?

Well, technology is a toolbox when it comes to art. Only creative people will benefit from it. Creative ideas single out good artists, and they cannot be replaced by technology. Even when we came from traditional drawing methods, it was only creative artists who benefited. AI only enhances the aesthetics of the idea.

Good cartooning demands a few things, most importantly, engaging a relevant subject that would make a good story, just like in journalism. The story should be told from a favourable angle and approached with a touch of art, capturing clearly what is being communicated.

What do you recommend for upcoming cartoonists?

Engaging with print media is crucial despite the digital revolution. But with the current possibilities of publishing in social media, there is no need to wait until one gets into the popular print media. One can be easily spotted and appreciated on social media if one is doing well. The internet also avails aspiring cartoonists access to works of prominent cartoonists from around the world. In the past, we had to go through the strain of paper clipping.

What should we expect of Kingo?

Kingo is still married and has one child, but he will be shaped by the society he lives in. He will be who we are as we continue to be who we are.

Are there things about Kingo that we don’t know?

Kingo has exposed himself as the wisest, the dumbest, chief of sinners, and the holiest. The readers know him so well that they enjoy him the most. He will always come up with new things, and maybe he will start using AI in the future. He will continue being witty and naughty. He will not change, but will evolve; his character will always win.

Does cartoon art have a chance to grow in Tanzania?

The people responsible should know that there is more to art and culture apart from music, beauty pageants and literature.

There is more to art that is unexplored. We have failed for many years to realise a promising potential in cartoon art. Cartoonists and comic artists need support and inclusion. Art should be nurtured with a balance, and interested young people, boys and girls, should be encouraged and supported.