LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE - A MURAL IN HONOR OF KID GRINGO

Matthias, known to many as Kid Gringo, was a truly unique and influential figure in the German reggae and dancehall scene, whose creative reach extended far beyond music. Sadly, he passed away in March 2025 in Uganda due to pneumonia, leaving a significant void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many communities he touched.

Gringo was a prolific talent, celebrated for his work as an illustrator, designer, graffiti writer and selector. He was the favored illustrator for Riddim Magazine, co-founded Klebstoff Magazin, and his artistic vision gave a distinct DNA to numerous publications and record covers. His illustrations were instantly recognizable and deeply embedded in the reggae landscape.

For years, Gringo toured extensively with German reggae artist Trettmann, known for his vibrant energy and ability to captivate crowds as a true "entertainment machine" in the dancehall scene. His passion for rhythm wasn't just in his designs; he had a deep understanding and feel for the music itself.

But Gringo's story began much earlier. Hailing from Chemnitz, he was a nocturnal and highly active individual from a young age, drawn to the burgeoning hip-hop scene of the 1990s. He was an early graffiti artist and a key member of the Doya Posse, a hip-hop collective that made a significant impact in and around Chemnitz.

His adventurous spirit led him across the globe. While he maintained roots in Chemnitz, his journey took him through Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin, Jamaica, Brazil, and eventually, to Uganda – a country he initially only knew as the landing site for the hijacked Landshut plane. Uganda became his home for a period, a testament to his willingness to explore and embrace new experiences.

Kid Gringo was more than just an artist; he was a connector, a innovator, and a radiant representative of a vibrant era. His passing is a profound loss for his parents, who lost a son; for his friends, who lost a best friend; for the dancehall scene, which lost one of its most important minds; and for Chemnitz, which lost a shining figure from a bygone era. His story is so rich and multifaceted that it truly would require a book to be fully told.

In a heartfelt tribute to Kid Gringo, we've dedicated one of the possible spaces of our HALLENKUNST Mural Art Program, affectionately known as "The Eye" at the landmark Roter Turm, to his memory. This seemingly inconspicuous spot, nestled in the heart of the city, often goes unnoticed when described, yet it's a truly fitting location for Matthias and his vibrant artwork.

Now, a 360-degree mural titled "LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE" in striking, bright colors graces the area right next to the fountain at Stadthallenpark, looking as if it's always been there. It's a testament to Gringo's enduring artistic presence.

Our curation and production team with René Kaestner and Michael Spiegler pulled out all the stops, providing everything needed for the project: planning, spray cans, scaffolding, and paint. We collaborated closely with Matthias Marx of Wildsmile, Chenmnitz born and now a Dresden-based artist and long-time companion of Kid Gringo. Marx was the mastermind behind the artwork's design and concept, leading the project from its inception to execution.

The actual painting was a collective effort, brought to life by Marx and a large team of friends, alongside Matthias's mother, Gisela Müller, who even joined in the painting herself. This collaborative creation stands as a powerful and visible homage to a truly inspiring artist.

Many thanks to Matthias Marx, Gisela Müller, Lucie Freynhagen, Alexander Dorn, Christian Petzold, Robert Reinhold, Daniel Scholz, Danny Mellenthin, the Bataclan and Anne Kummerlöwe for the incredible support to realize this great piece of art.

Rest well in heaven Matthias 'Kid Gringo', we will never forget you!

Photos: Michael Schmidt, RED TOWER