Waxxes

John Kiarie is a Kenyan director, animator, and founder of Waxxes Animation Studio, working at the intersection of animation, music, poetry, and African storytelling. He has collaborated on animated music visuals with artists and platforms including Sony Music, directing Aslay in 60 Seconds, and creating animated narratives for Nviri the Storyteller across three songs. John also animated Sauti Sol’s final performance as a band, as well as projects involving Bensoul, Darassa, and Mark Black, whose work marked his first entry into music animation.

His portfolio includes album cover animations for ADIM, and fan-driven animation projects for Karun and Rema, blending illustration, motion, and music culture. Beyond music videos, John directs animated short films such as Kipchoge: No Human Is Limited and Mara’s Cry for Rain(nominated in kalasha film festival ), focusing on African resilience, identity, and environment.

John’s creative work also extends into poetry-driven animation, including Kibera Ni Future Yetu (Dorphanage), Gathering Clouds, and Sisi Ndio Mashujaa, where spoken word and visuals merge to tell grounded, human stories. On this panel, he brings a creator’s perspective on how animation expands musical expression, preserves culture, and opens new visual possibilities for artists beyond traditional live-action formats.

Experience Waxxes at See Your Sound