Boogie was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1995, emigrating to the UK at 10 years old. He lived in Luton, where he says, “you’re either on the streets or you play football.” Thankfully for Boogie, it was the latter, and falling in love with the sport, he caught the eye of scouts while kicking a ball around with his friends. He left home at 11 to “follow his dream” and completed an apprenticeship at Liverpool FC. Three years he later joined the Wolverhampton Wanderers; however, his career was plagued by injuries and he spent more time on the side lines than on the pitch.

When a torn anterior cruciate ligament forced Boogie to retire from the ‘beautiful game’ at 24, the surgeries and recovery threw him into a diagnosed depression for three years. But it was during his rehabilitation that he was inspired to take up painting, and the therapeutic power of art ultimately helped him come through those dark days and begin his art career.

Fast forward to today, and Boogie’s artwork is collected across the globe, selling for thousands. He has collaborated with renowned brands such as Puma, Funko, boohooMan and Yelir World have been very lucrative, ““I’ve made more money in my first year as an artist than in my whole football career,” he says. Despite this, he says his purpose in life is more altruistic: “I want to help and inspire others, and with art I get to do just that.”

‘ICONS’ EXHIBITION

Moli Icons celebrates sporting icons such as Pelé, Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan, but is also underpinned by a layered social and cultural commentary, including nods to his African roots. His hand-picked icons also include Nelson Mandela and “the richest man in history” medieval Malian king Mansa Musa, who travelled to Mecca in 1325 with a tonne of gold as spending money.