From Warrior Paint to Walking Canvas: How GlennSamm is Breathing New Life into Body Art

You’re seated in your favourite part of your room, flipping through a worn photo album, dusty with time. Each faded picture hits a string and whispers some stories of your ancestors and one image, in particular, catches your eye. A warrior, adorned with intricate body paint, stares back, a symbol of strength and cultural pride. Now, fast forward to the bustling Ghanaian pop-culture scene, can you imagine or think about anyone synonymous with these pure arts? Right! They’re very much of a rare kind.

In the annals of African history, body art and visual storytelling have long been intertwined, and have served as a powerful medium for cultural expression and personal identity.

Similarly, In Ghana, this conversation stretches back centuries. Body painting was the main coating of warriors, a symbol of manhood and power. In another vein, it was also used for a temporary state, such as mourning or during initiatory rites. But above all, it was the expression of a culture.

While the sacred rituals and ceremonial uses of this rich tradition have evolved, the art of body painting has remained a powerful medium for creative expression in contemporary Ghanaian culture. Rather than fading from the landscape, visionary artists like Samuel Glenn Semakor, affectionately known as GlennSamm, are breathing new life into this captivating art form.

Samuel Glenn Semakor, who goes by the moniker “The Walking Artist,” is a tribute to this enduring legacy and in this piece, he shares his inspiration, journey and knack for influence with Style Afrique.

Born and raised in Ghana’s capital, Accra, GlennSamm hails from Keta, a town in Ghana’s Volta Region, his work is deeply rooted in his heritage. He recounts that his creative journey began as a form of self-expression, an exploration of his cultural identity that soon blossomed into a passion for promoting indigenous African fashion.

With a vision to celebrate Afrocentric and Afrofuturist-inspired creativity, GlennSamm founded “KvngsOfTheNewSchool,” a pioneering movement that captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts and cultural influencers alike.

GlennSamm’s connection to his roots runs deeper than mere aesthetics; it is a profound expression of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of visual storytelling.

“Body painting was once a powerful symbol of cultural identity, imbued with spiritual significance and used to mark important transitions in one’s life,” GlennSamm explains. “As a visual storyteller, I feel a deep responsibility to preserve this rich tradition and share its captivating narratives with the world.”

Through bold, vibrant designs that draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and motifs of his Ewe heritage and modern aesthetics, GlennSamm has become a trailblazer in the Ghanaian pop-culture landscape, earning the moniker “The Walking Artist.”

GlennSamm is hugely unapologetic about his passion and for him, it is his best form of expressing intricate subjects. He wears his art as a warrior and embodies the very essence of his roots, transforming himself into a living canvas that tells the story of his people.

His creative expressions earned him appearances at several renowned shows and just after his first appearances at the Afrochella Festival in 2018 and the Chale Wote Street Art Festival in 2019, the visionary’s work caught the attention of international media, including a feature in Vogue magazine and a BBC documentary.

“My goal is to not only preserve the rich traditions of my people but to also inspire a new generation of Africans to embrace their cultural heritage with pride,” he says. “By showcasing the beauty and power of body painting, I hope to reignite a sense of cultural belonging and empower others to celebrate the diversity of African art and fashion.”

“My goal is to not only preserve the rich traditions of my people but to also inspire a new generation of Africans to embrace their cultural heritage with pride,”
GlennSamm

GlennSamm’s impact on the industry is not limited to his designs. As a model, culture influencer and brand ambassador, he has collaborated with esteemed and indigenous fashion brands such as Rek Clothing, Kasaman Fashion and Caveman Watches, further expanding his influence beyond the runway.

His entrepreneurial spirit is also evident in his founding of the Tsadidi Street Art Festival, which he hosts in his hometown, Keta. He showcases a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse, unfiltered artistic expression from across Ghana and the African continent.

GlennSamm’s influence extends beyond fashion. Through his art, he’s appeared in music videos for top Ghanaian artistes like Fuse ODG, Epixode and Bisa Kdei.

GlennSamm’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. His unbridled creative exploration has earned him astounding ambassadorial deals with intercontinental brands like Jameson Scotch Whiskey, Johnnie Walker, Star Beer and Balona Non-dairy milk. He is currently a proud ambassador of German brand, Jägermeister.

Despite these impressive feats, GlennSamm remains deeply rooted in his Ghanaian heritage. His commitment to authenticity and innovation continues to redefine the boundaries of African fashion and culture, earning him numerous accolades, including Fashion Influencer of the Year at the Pulse Ghana Influencers Award 2022 and Personality of the Year at the Volta Fashion Awards 2020.

Through it all, the emergence of visionaries such as Glenn Samm is encouraging because it reminds us of the transforming power of cultural expression and the enduring strength of authenticity, even as the world struggles with the homogenization of global culture.

This “Walking Artist” is influencing Ghanaian pop culture in the future as well as conserving the past with his unflinching commitment to the art of body painting.