Meet Shambo Medina | Painter, Sculptor, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shambo Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shambo, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose a career as an artist because art is a form of therapy for me as well as a pathway to meeting and bonding with kindred spirits.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mixed media painter, sculptor and musician. I call myself an Afro-Expressionist because I create art that is rooted in an ongoing and ever-evolving contemplation of the humanity and experiences of Africans in America and throughout the diaspora. My work is deeply informed by the Sankofa journey of going into the past to learn, remember, recover and redeem. Through the mediums of sculpture, painting and song, I create art with an ambition to contribute to spaces where soul searchin’, truth-tellin’ & healing is a focal point.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take a friend visiting Durham, NC on a hike on any of the trails on the Eno River. I would also take them to Rofhiwa Book Café, a local black-owned bookstore, coffee shop and social hub in historic East Durham. As far as food, there are so many options in Durham, but I might lean towards Island Coconut, a local Jamaican food truck, Dames Chicken and Waffles, Heavenly Buffaloes or Thai Café. If they wanted to shop, I’d take them to some of my favorite spots, which are African Land, Exotique, and Bull City Apparel. Finally, for evening entertainment, I would take them on any given Friday to Friday Vibes (live music) at The Living Room or if if it was a third Friday, we would check out Gail Belvett’s “We Are Here” Art Series at The Hayti Heritage Center.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my mother & father, Michael & Desiree for providing me a solid foundation rooted in love; my brothers, Brandon & Colton; and the community of peers, elders, ancestors & spirit guides (that are too many to name) who shaped my path in various ways. Special shoutout to Kali Maie, Uncle Greg, Rofhiwa Book Café, curator Gail Belvett of The Art Chose Me, Tzu & Gabriela, Kevin Scene Lewis, Angel Dozier of BeConnected Durham, The Hayti Heritage Center & BumpTheTriangle for affirming my work and giving me opportunities to share and engage with community.

Instagram: @shambomedina

Youtube: Shambo Medina