My brand story
About Shakira
Shakira Kibirige is a distinguished Ugandan creative leader and film makeup artist with over 18 years of experience, specializing in makeup, special effects, costume design, and hair styling for film, television commercials, and stage. Widely recognized as one of East Africa’s top film artisans, she is known for her technical precision, cultural authenticity, and character-driven transformations.
Her exceptional contributions to the African film industry have earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including a prestigious honor at the African Academy Awards (AMAAs)—making her the first Ugandan makeup artist to receive this distinction.
Shakira’s impressive body of work includes acclaimed productions such as Queen of Katwe and The Mercy of the Jungle, where her artistry has played a pivotal role in bringing stories and characters to life. Her influential reputation continues to attract international productions and clients seeking her unmatched expertise, creativity, and deep understanding of visual storytelling.
Selected Film & TV Credits
- Queen of katwe
- The Mercy of the Jungle
- Art of a Hit
- Tembele
- Rebecca
- Beneath Beauty
- Boda boda Thieves
- Freedom
- Stain
- Kafa Coh
- Kyaddala- Its Real
Festival & International Work
– Cannes Film Festival 2025: Led a Special Effects Makeup Workshop at Pavillon Afriques, the official African pavilion at the Marché du Film
– Paradox Film Lab 2026, Congo: Facilitator/Trainer — Special effects makeup and costume design
– Mentor: European Film Festival Masterclass 2022, Zimbabwe | Africamera Film Festival 2023, Mali — taught film makeup at Liberté International School, Bamako
– Industry Presence: Judge for makeup competitions; featured speaker and advocate for African film talent
Awards
Multiple Best Makeup Artist & Costume Designer awards from: Pearl International Film Festival, African Academy Awards, Golden Award Ghana, New Vision Award, Hair and Beauty Expo, iKON Academy Award, Uganda Film Festival, AMVCA
Expertise
Practical SFX, prosthetics, period costume design, hair styling for screen and stage. Known for elevating productions through detail-driven craft and developing emerging talent across the world.
"Mastering the Art of Transformation: Shakira's Journey as a Leading Makeup Artist
With a primary focus on the performing arts, Kibirige specializes in makeup, including special effects, and hair styling for film, television commercials, and stage productions. As a leader in her industry, Kibirige has been featured in numerous publications and has even served as a judge for various makeup competitions. Her extensive portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned projects such as “Tembele, Art of a hit” “Rebecca,” “Beneath Beauty,” and “Boda Boda Thieves,” among others. Noteworthy accolades punctuate Kibirige’s illustrious career, including multiple awards for Best Makeup Artist from esteemed platforms such as the Pearl International Film Festival, the African Academy Awards, the Golden Award Ghana, the New Vision Award, the Hair and Beauty Expo, and the iKON Academy Award. Dedicated to fostering emerging talent, Kibirige continues to serve as a mentor while leaving an indelible mark on the global stage of makeup artistry and hairstyling. . Her passion for her craft is evident in every project she takes on, and her attention to detail has earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of the top makeup artists in the industry.
Makeup Masterclass
IN ADDITION TO HER
PROFESSIONAL
ACHIEVEMENTS, KIBIRIGE
HAS BEEN SELECTED AS A
MENTOR, LENDING HER
EXPERTISE TO ASPIRING
FILMMAKERS AT THE
EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
MASTERCLASS 2022 IN
ZIMBABWE.
FURTHERMORE, SHE TOOK
ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF
INTRODUCING MAKEUP
FOR FILM AT LIBERTE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
IN BAMAKO, MALI, AS PART
OF THE AFRICAMERA FILM
FESTIVAL IN 2023.
Clients Reviews
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