Early Life and Inspiration: Shabu Mwangi, born and raised in Mukuru slum in Nairobi, Kenya, developed a profound passion for art at a young age. Growing up in an environment filled with economic hardship and social inequalities, Mwangi found solace in artistic expression. His surroundings, marked by poverty and injustice, became the backdrop for his journey, influencing his deeply emotive and socially charged artworks.

From a young age, Mwangi began drawing and painting as a means of escape from the harsh realities of his environment. He was self-taught at first, honing his skills in the absence of formal training, which only deepened his commitment to art as a tool for personal reflection and societal change. His inspiration came from a desire to express the struggles and resilience of the community he grew up in.