Kenya Christian
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Video: Sauti Sol - "Blue Uniform"
Posted: July 28, 2009, 3:20 pm by KenyaChristian
If you haven't yet seen Sauti Sol live, what are you waiting for? I think this group deserves to be big in Kenya and possibly the region. They are really talented. They perfomed this song at Sawa Sawa Festival with crowd particpation(don't you love when performers do that?) and it was really enjoyable. This is the second single from their debut album Mwanzo in stores now.
Update: Catch Sauti Sol before they head off on their European tour -
Kanjii - "I Am Yours" + Astar
Posted: July 28, 2009, 2:37 pm by KenyaChristian
Check out a new song called "I Am Yours" from Kanjii Mbugua featuring Izzo(of Ugandan group Limit X) Speaking of Limit X, anyone have that song theirs called "Bread of Life" I've searched but haven't been able to find it.
Listen: Kanjii Mbugua - "I Am Yours"
Previously: I Am Yours video shoot pics
Here's an unnofficial and untitled song from Astar which was recorded during a studio session jam. The song features Kera.
Listen: Astar - Kickin It -
Michelle - "Gimme Love"
Posted: July 28, 2009, 2:09 pm by KenyaChristian
Here's some more music from the "relationship riddim" movement. Is a compilation album in the works?
Listen: Michelle - "Gimme Love"
Bonus track: Injili - "Nisamehe" (I've always liked this song!) -
Monique - "Naja Kwako"
Posted: July 24, 2009, 8:04 am by KenyaChristian
I had been looking for this video and finally spotted it. I've always thought Monique was quite talented but she's always been kind of under the radar, wish she would release more material.
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Storymoja Hay Festival
Posted: July 23, 2009, 3:43 pm by KenyaChristian
The Storymoja Hay Festival is a three day international celebration of stories, ideas, writing and contemporary culture through storytelling, mchongoano, music, books, live discussion forums, demonstrations, workshops, open-mike sessions, debates, exhibitions, live performances and competitions. It is organised as collaboration between the Hay Festival (UK) and Storymoja, a young publishing company formed by five local writers. The Hay Festival held in the UK every May attracts up to 150,000 people ranging from presidents to authors to fans.
Venue: Impala Club, Ngong Road, Nairobi
Dates: Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, 2009.
Time: From 10:00 am daily
Price: Ksh 500(day pass) Ksh 1500(season ticket); Ksh1000(advance season tckt) -Kids(Ksh200day; Ksh400 season)
Check out the full program here
(Tickets available @ All Books First stores, Silverbird stores in Nairobi,Bookstop Bookstore(Yaya Center),Sarit Center Information Desk (Westlands) & Savanis Bookshop, Westgate)
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Mabadiliko Tour presents "Skoolz Out!''
Posted: July 23, 2009, 3:35 pm by KenyaChristian
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Video: Erik Hersman on Ushahidi
Posted: July 23, 2009, 8:39 am by KenyaChristian
At TEDU 2009, Erik Hersman presents the remarkable story of Ushahidi, a GoogleMap mashup that allowed Kenyans to report and track violence via cell phone texts following the 2008 elections, and has evolved to continue saving lives in other countries.
Visit his blog @ WhiteAfrican and AfriGadget. Check out his profile here -
Relationship Riddim!
Posted: July 22, 2009, 12:44 pm by KenyaChristian
Here is a new song from Kera(of Gospel Fathers/ZYM) featuring Charis. Enjoy!
Listen: Kera - "Change In Me"
Bonus: Allan Aaron - "Relationship Riddim"
O.K I'm gonna go out on a limb and dub Kijiji Records & the MWAPI(Music With A Positive Influence) movement the "hardest working artists in Nairobi" at least as far as urban-based music is concerned. Y'all go hard...keep up the good work!
Update: To all the diaspeeps, Power Radio 91.1FM is now streaming live over the internet! Click the pic below to stream.
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Video: Wyre - "Uprising"
Posted: July 22, 2009, 10:18 am by KenyaChristian
Here's the video for Wyre's new single "Uprising."
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Urban Mirror Show @ Goethe
Posted: July 22, 2009, 8:36 am by KenyaChristian
Date: Saturday, 25th July 2009
Time: 9.00 pm
Venue: Goethe-Institut, Monrovia St.
Price: Free Entry
Description: Urban Mirror is an event about urban art and public space that will feature performances of different artists coming from different areas of Nairobi and selected among the ones reported on the Urban Mirror on line map www.urbanmirror.org. If you are an artist you can't miss it!!!
Previously: video -Urban Mirror Project kickoff -
Mad Love Lounge is back
Posted: July 21, 2009, 6:49 pm by KenyaChristian
Date: July 26th 2009
Venue: Kenol Kula Korner, Argwings Kodhek Rd.
Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Price: Ksh 150
Nairobi's number 1 Urban Christian lounge is back with a fresh twist to it.Come & experience 4 hrs of unadulterated Urban worship, Hiphop, Spoken word poetry, Neo Soul B-boying, R&B & ill Deejaying all to the glory of the King of Kings! (Also featuring the official Madlove mixtape launch!)
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Pics: Kanjii "I Am Yours" video shoot
Posted: July 21, 2009, 6:30 pm by KenyaChristian
Legendary Limit X frontman Isaac Rucci links up with Kijiji Records Kanjii Mbugua on their brand new single. Declaring their allegiance on the track "I Am Yours", Isaac recently jeted in to shoot their first collaborative music video. With a track produced by Gideon "Gidi" Kimazi and video by Sakata Media, look out for this still unreleased single to debut soon.
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New from Penya + Nina!
Posted: July 20, 2009, 4:24 pm by KenyaChristian
Here is a track from new Penya recording artist Wachira hailing from pwani. The song features Stan Ng'ang'a also of Penya.
Listen: Wachira - "Post Election."
Peep how they flipped the LeAnn Rimes song, not bad.
As a bonus here's a track from upcoming artist Nina Ogot. The song is called "Runaway," enjoy!
Listen: Nina Ogot - "Runaway" -
John Namu wins Journalist prize
Posted: July 19, 2009, 4:24 pm by KenyaChristian
John Allan Namu of KTN has won the CNN African Journalist of the Year Award.
Congratulations to him and keep up the good work! Read more here -
Just A Band - "Usinibore"
Posted: July 17, 2009, 1:39 pm by KenyaChristian
Just A Band's latest single from their upcoming album 82. I don't listen to much radio, but I'm curious as to how well this will do(is doing?) on the charts, I think it deserves to do well. Nice simple & uplifting lyrics, non-vulgar, creative, excellent production. We need more of this kind of stuff Kenyan artists, keep it up JAB!
Just A Band - "Usinibore"
"Just because I'm an African with black skin, it doesn't mean that I won't win if I try..."
Previously: JAB "Usinibore" video -
John Kenny captures Northen Kenya
Posted: July 17, 2009, 11:26 am by KenyaChristian
Check out some amazing pictures British photographer John Kenny took during his month's stay among the Pokot and Turkana of Northern Kenya.
It's at times like these, seeing the beauty and diversity we have in this country Kenya that I wonder, why we have to allow some people to make us be hateful and suspicious of each other? We are a beautiful people, and we are really blessed with different tribes, cultures and languages. We should not mess up this precious jewel of a nation we have. Strive to remove any negativity and tribalist thoughts you may have today. Treat your fellow Kenyan with respect and love. On another note, I need to visit MORE of this country! too stuck in Nairobi.
Check out more pictures on his blog here, and visit his website here. -
Video: Footage of MJ 1984 Pepsi Commercial accident
Posted: July 15, 2009, 6:51 pm by KenyaChristian
Footage of what really happened during that infamous incident was finally released.
Why am I posting this video? How could I NOT..lol. Prior to this video the only image we had of this accident was this. It's crazy how he didn't even notice or feel his hair was on fire, damn you Soul Glo! Lol, for real though the footage is kind of eerie for some reason, I guess just because its such an infamous incident, shrouded in mystery until now.
Read more here.
(note: video may be pulled) -
Video: illdoc on MJ
Posted: July 14, 2009, 4:19 pm by KenyaChristian
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Features of Nairobi Christians...
Posted: July 14, 2009, 3:28 pm by KenyaChristian
According to Gitonga, here are some of the ways you can tell you are a Nairobi Christian:
1. Mavuno Church.If you live in Nairobi and have not heard about Mavuno, I can bet you’re also not aware that the names in the famous/infamous Waki “Envelope” have fikad the Hague! Ok, I am not a regular there, but must confess Mavuno Church has in actual fact taken Nairobi by storm. I already know so much about their services; even though I have not yet attended the church. Love them or loathe them, they have a very clear vision for the capital. It’s for; you either love what they are doing or hate ‘em’ altogether. There are no two ways about it. But don’t we just love talking against or for Mavuno? Mebelieves that even the chief strategist Michael Joseph of “niko na safaricom” fame can learn one or two things from them. Ama what thinkest thou?
5. Wishing our testimony was more exciting and intriguingI don’t know about you, but what is it with us that we always wish that our testimonies were more exciting. We always wish that our testimony was very dramatic…something like this, before I got saved, I was a very bad sinner (are there good sinners?), There is no girl I did not sleep with in my neighborhood, I used to supply and peddle drugs all over Nairobi, I used to be the leader of the most wanted gang in Nairobi……but Jesus saved me in the nick of time. The whole congregation is in awe and there and then we feel that we were not really saved well if you get my drift! I am not against testimonies at all, but we don’t really have to keep glorying in
Read more here.
Agree or disagree? What other characteristics do you think make the typical Nai Christian? -
Pics: Chit Chat "I La La Like It" video shoot
Posted: July 13, 2009, 8:17 am by KenyaChristian
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Video: Jonathan McCoy on the "N" word
Posted: July 12, 2009, 9:50 am by KenyaChristian
10 year-old Jonathan E.McCoy started a petition in February 2009 to end the useof the "N" word at petitionspot.com. You may pledge your support by going to: [www.petitionspot.com]
Previously: My thoughts on the N Word -
status update...
Posted: July 10, 2009, 4:12 pm by KenyaChristian
So, towards the end of my day decided to pass through Aga Khan hospital to check on my blood test results. For the past month or two something had been compelling me to go and get my blood tested, so last about two weeks ago I decided to finally do it! I decided to start off at a hospital and the first place I thought of was M.P Shah, which has I guess become our default family hospital(after our beloved family doctor, Dr.Patel passed away many years ago. Gosh, I liked him so much, he was like a 2nd father to us! but more on that another day.) So anyway, I went to M.P Shah and asked the guy at the reception if they do HIV test, and he told me "no." I'm like huh, you dont do HIV tests? Again he replied in the negtive(no pun). This guy must not have known what he was talking about, or am I ignorant? Kwani which hospital is this where they dont do HIV tests? I was kinda pissed but I didnt feel like looking for someone else to talk to. So I left there and decided to look for a VCT the next day. Um, I then realized really didn't know where any VCTs are located in Nai for real. So I emailed the Ministry of Health(don't laugh) to ask them where I might find a VCT in the Nairobi area. Well, of course they didn't reply(and still havent) but luckily, the next day I spotted a testing centre off Milimani Rd. and I went to see if they'll test me. Just my luck, they don't test after 12pm on Fridays! "Come back on Monday"Argh! Okay, so am I ever going to get this over and done with? The next week I got a message through a friend on facebook that someone was in ICU at Aga Khan and needed a blood donation ASAP. So, I was like hey, why not try and save a life and at the same time get my blood tested? Great, so I go to Aga Khan and waited there for like half an hour to donate blood. The donation went well enough,but boy did that blood pumping tire my wrist. I guess there wasn't enough pressure in the tube so I had to pump twice as much! Another guy who was donating next to me pumped too fast I guess and he falt woozy so he was told to rest. I felt just fine afterwards, drank some juice that they give you and was on my way.
Went to get my blood test results today, and met the same nurse who took my blood at the lab during the donation. In the waiting room, I inquired as to what my blood test results were, and she told me to give her a few minutes as she checked up my name. After locating it, she pulled out my card and placed it on the counter as she sorted something else out. I glanced at the card and I saw the words POSITIVE in blue ink, and my heart did a triple take. She then ushered me into the lab and proceeded to pull out a chair. "O.K what's going on here" I thought as I sat. She then informed me about how the blood donation went, and that the patient in ICU tragically passed away(I felt real bad) but how thankful they were for all the blood donations. She then asked me what I would do if the results were not good. I said I would just "deal with it in someway." She chuckled and replied that there are many ways in which people "deal with it." Some go to the 10th floor of KICC, some go looking for a waterfall somewhere... Well, clearly she was not relieving my uneasiness at that minute. She then opened a folder, pulled out my file and scanned the results. She then told me they did tests on my blood for HIV, Chlamydia,Hepatitis and a few other diseases I cant recall right now. She then smiled and said all my test results came out negative. What a relief, here she was pulling my leg and pulling out chairs,as if I'm about to receive the most dire news of my life! Why lie, while it felt good to be free of all those other diseases, I wanted to know if the big elephant was still hogging space in my room. Was I free of HIV or not was all I wanted to know!
It's really crazy how much fear the words HIV can invoke in a person. Even if you are not living an irresponsible lifestyle, you still feel like you not immune to it. I remember many years back when there was a scare going around that people were planting HIV-laced needles in theatre seats and phone booths(where you retrieve your coin from).At around that time I sat in a matatu and something very sharp poked my back from inside the seat cushion! Gosh, for about a week I thought I was done for! Had someone planted a HIV-laced needle on my matatu seat? Uuuwii! I experienced the worst kind of thoughts during that time, even though the whole notion was absurd(for many reasons I wont go into).
So why am writing this experience? Because for the past few months this thing of HIV in Kenya has been on my mind quite a bit. I find it very sad that 15 million Kenyans don't know their status and 84% of HIV infected people are likewise unaware they have the virus.So I've been trying to come up with ideas that could help in the fight against HIV in Kenya. The first step in the fight against HIV I think is knowledge. Know your status, do you? I do now, and I hope anyone who reads this blog will overcome any fears they have, MAKE TIME and go and find out their status! I felt it would be lame of me to preach about finding getting tested if I didn't take that first step, and that's why I did. There's no way we can fight this virus which has ravaged Africa without each of us knowing where we stand. I plan on putting the idea's I have down and visiting the Ministry of Health to discuss and present them. I know the Ministry has been trying to get people to find out their status for years. But so far I think their methods are lack any imagination, creativity or incentive for people to go get tested. So yeah, I'll write more on this new mission I have later, but in the meanwhile please get tested and find out your status. Oh, and if youre still wondering what that "positive" thing on the card was all about, turns out my blood type is B POSITIVE, cool.
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge..."
(ps.please forgive any grammatical errors in this post, alot on my mind)
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Video Hits Package 1.1.7
Posted: July 8, 2009, 6:14 pm by KenyaChristian
I bet you thought Video Hits Package had died eh? haha.. no dice! For this edition of VHP we will be featuring legendary hiphop group The Grits with their video "Hopes And Dreams/What Be Goin' Down." This song is from their 1997 album Factors of The Seven.
I really like this song done by The Grits and it holds some significance and memories in my mind. I like it first of all because I think its a dope song with nice lyrics,hook and melody. But more than that its significant because I guess you can say it was one of my first steps on the journey to being a new Christian. Prior to the FOTS album the only other christian-rap/hip-hop song I had heard was probably "Stomp" by Kirk Franklin(Peppa raps in it:). As in, I was totally clueless as to the existence of Christian hiphop. So around 1997 a high school friend actually lent me this album because, though I wasn't yet born-again I was kind of curious as to what this Christian hiphop sounded like. Growing up a Catholic I had been used to singing solemn hymns and worship in church, so to listen to Christians rapping about God was quite radical for me! At this time, as far as rap I was listening to the Puff Daddy's,Mases,Busta Rhymes & 2Pacs. So to go from that, to people talking about spirituality and God in their rhymes(and doing it well) was definitely something new for me. Anyway this album really opened up a whole new world of Christianity to me which prior to that consisted of mass,priests and rituals. As in you could actually be cool,be hip, be yourself and still be a Christian? Wow! You didn't have to put on a serious face, try and look all holy,and sing ancient hymns that you couldnt really relate to? I can't lie listening to this album was I guess just one of the paths that led me to be born-again. My curiousity about this other side of Christianity and the freedom it could contain within it was something that really piqued my interest. I guess you could say it was a spark. Thankyou Grits, thank you high school buddy.
Previously: VHP Brent Jones-Goodtime -
Video: Just A Band - "Usinibore"
Posted: July 5, 2009, 2:21 pm by KenyaChristian
Here is a new video from Just A Band for their first single off their upcoming second album 82. It is directed by Jim Chuchu
Nice video. Creative use of props,movement,make-up and nice directing. The song is good too!
Previously: JAB "Usinibore" video shoot pics -
Video: Mr. J.Medeiros - "Holding On"
Posted: July 4, 2009, 12:28 pm by KenyaChristian
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Video: Kidum - "Greedy"
Posted: July 4, 2009, 11:50 am by KenyaChristian
featuring Nameless
A daring DJ should blast this song during a Kenyan public holiday "celebration,"I'd like to see the reaction on those politicians faces. On the other hand, theyre so out-of-touch they'll probabably jig along to the song. -
East Africa pic collection: 1860-1960
Posted: July 4, 2009, 8:05 am by KenyaChristian
A treasure trove of thousands of images of East Africa dating from 1860-1960 has recently been released online by The Library of Northwestern University (Illinois). For those, like me who are interested in African hi-story(which is rarely told), this should offer an interesting insight, if only visually. African history pre-late 19th Century is still largely shrouded in darkness, so to find a visual record dating from 1860 is really something good. I hope they do an African tour with these images. I'd go.A online collection of thousands of rare photographs chronicling Europe’s
colonisation of East Africa went live last week, on June 25th, on the website of
the Library of Northwestern University (Illinois). The Humphrey Winterton
Collection of East African Photographs: 1860-1960 includes approximately 7,610
photographs. It was assembled by the British collector Winterton over about 30
years and organised in 76 separate albums, scrapbooks or loose collections. The
collection was acquired by Northwestern University’s Melville J. Herskovits
Library of African Studies in 2002.The photographs were mostly taken by
explorers, military officers, colonial officials, settlers, missionaries,
travellers and early commercial photographers and depict the breadth of African
life during the colonial era. They include formal and informal portraits of
Africans and their colonisers, photos of slaves and slave traders, of the
British bombardment of Zanzibar in 1896, as well as images depicting the
building of the east African railway and daily life in Africa. One of the oldest
photographs in the collection shows a Zanzibar slave market in approximately
1860...
View the collection here -
Video: Urban Mirror Project kickoff
Posted: July 3, 2009, 4:19 pm by KenyaChristian
WHAT
Urban Mirror is a project about art and public space,
a window into Kenya's urban art scene: audio, visual, performance, literature
HOW
mapping all known and lesser known artists in Kenya
mapping all the art centres and art events in Kenya
mapping all the public spaces in Kenya
connecting art with public space
creating a community among all the artists in Kenya
giving artists a temporary platform to showcase their
work – the Urban Mirror Show
WHO
Urban Mirror is a Community Based Organization started by the hip hop music group Ukoo Flani and the multimedia NGO Cultural Video Foundation. The main purpose of the Organisation is to use art to promote community development.For more visit [www.urbanmirror.org]
Download registration form here
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Video: Kigezi Ndoto by Mumbi Kaigwa
Posted: July 1, 2009, 5:36 pm by KenyaChristian
Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
