Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Kenneth Kanaabi—the Chief Designer at Huema Design. As soon as I entered his studio workshop, I was struck by the energy of a space where tradition meets modernity. Prototype models of ideas filled the room, embodying stories from the African continent—stories often considered mundane.
Kenneth grew up absorbing cultures, drawing inspiration from history, memory, and everyday experiences at the crossroads of product design, furniture, and architecture. Together with his team, he reinterprets traditional African aesthetics into contemporary forms that resonate today.
In 2024, Huema Design launched its first collection, featuring the Kasubi Stool + Table, Kitole Stool + Table, Ankole Stool, Okwa Stool, and Koona Stool. His vision is rooted in the belief that everyday objects carry powerful cultural narratives. In his words, there is an inherent beauty in the way ancient African craftsmanship can be reimagined into contemporary design—whether in product design, graphics, or architecture—telling the story of African ingenuity.
Kenneth’s studio is a microcosm of his broader vision: a world where talented African designers are global icons. Huema Design aims to present powerful design ideas that serve the world, with ambitions to exhibit and represent Africa on the global design stage. He likened his vision to other facets of African art, such as music, dance, and athletics, which have significantly impacted worldwide. He strongly believes that design can achieve the same influence through collaboration.
Speaking with Kenneth felt like listening to a living dialogue between past and present. He is fascinated by the transformative power of creativity, where heritage is not a relic of the past but a dynamic source of inspiration for the future.
Visiting Huema Studio left me with a renewed sense of wonder about the possibilities that lie in embracing one’s roots while boldly stepping into the future. Huema Design is a vivid reminder that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, culture, and innovation.