Kenyanpoet

• When Change Comes (The two tribes in Kenya - The 'Haves' & 'The Have Nots')

  Posted: April 23, 2008, 3:43 pm by N.W

  When Change Comes
  I. Growth
  When villages grow into towns
  Towns into cities
  Shops into malls
  Spaces into estates,
  When streets turn into avenues
  Avenues into highways, super highways
  Subways and runways
  Then things change.
  
  Villages become frail old women deserted by their offspring
  All gone to the cities with big lights,
  Who, unlike prodigal sons, only return in coffins.
  Homesteads empty like the stare of a 9 year old boy
  Eyes stiffened by industrial glue liquid,
  Face barren of emotions.
  
  City streets give birth to illegitimate children – street children
  Who, at the age of 8,
  hang around city corners, begging for a shilling.
  At the age of 18,
  You beg them not to harm you as they rob from you,
  In the big city streets and big mall corners
  Subways and highways.
  
  Estates and villas,
  Suburbs and urban spaces
  Metropolitan cities and industries become fathers who sow wild oats
  To shanties, ghettos, slums, poverty stricken valleys.
  
  II. Changes
  In these valleys,
  Girls quickly grow into women
  Siring children at the age of 16, maybe even 13.
  Where single families spring quicker
  Than a spring chicken.
  Where lands mushroom to shanties,
  With no jobs in mind, in the mines or offices.
  
  When kids can’t go to school,
  Only to sit in the sun counting cars
  Watching others live their dreams,
  While theirs have been packed away like the text books in their bags
  Then innocence changes.
  
  When husbands neglect wives for brewing dens,
  Choosing illicit drinks over tuition fees
  When kids go hungry for days and nights
  Mothers are jobless, fathers are drunkards,
  When all one can show for years of sacrifice in school
  Is a piece of paper – a college degree
  With no job, money or respect
  While unqualified minds run companies and governments,
  Then minds change.
  
  When opportunities look at the colour of your skin
  Asking for your names,
  who you know with lots of muscles,
  Politically, spiritually, economically,
  When your name, skin tone determines which doors shut,
  how fast hand bags are clutched,
  who calls you up for a job,
  what neighborhoods you can take a stroll in-
  then thoughts change
  
  III. Takes
  When you realize that your fate was sealed in that moment of conception
  Even before you took your first breath in this cosmic space
  You then know, it takes more than yourself to survive.
  
  When you are born in a small dark room
  In the slum- ghettos of Nairobi,
  The wrong side of town
  Born in the wrong side of jobs
  Wrong side of school
  Wrong side of life
  Wrong side of everything good in life
  Except life itself
  Then you know it takes more than yourself to be on the right side
  
  It takes governments that are willing to accept the growing gap
  The gap between those with and those without
  It takes bridging that gap with informal jobs, equal opportunities
  With Youth, women, men empowerment bridges
  Bridges that seek to empower minds, endanger idlers
  Bridges that recapture people’s dream of equal opportunities
  And put them back into peoples' hearts
  
  It takes more than corrupt individuals
  It takes more than paying taxes for more government officials
  It takes more than policemen gunning down innocent youth
  It takes more than black men looking down upon their brothers as lesser mortals
  
  It takes leaders willing to listen to the cries of their people
  It takes systems that will help its people come out of mental slavery, self pity, oppressed lives
  It takes everyman to make that change.
  you, me, him, her, them,
  Us.
  

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  A dedication to the many disillusioned youths living slums.
  
  Piece by N.W
  kenyanpoet@gmail.com
  April, 2008
  All rights reserved©

  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• Husband for Breakfast, April 24-27th, @ Alliance Francaise

  Posted: April 22, 2008, 6:13 pm by N.W

  “HUSBAND FOR BREAKFAST”
  on 24, 26 & 27 April
  

  This unbelievably 3-hander hilarious comedy that brings together well-rated and respected stars is back for its final stretch: Churchill and Peter Marangi will be back again sandwiching the fast ever-rising female actress Aimee Ongeso who is now hosting Sikika-CHANNEL O.
  The two top theatre gurus Sammy Mwangi and Victor Ber will be taking this star-studded cast of three through what has already been touted and fanatically described as the comedy of 2008 that has already re-defined comedy as we know it.

  Directed by: Victor Ber and Sammy Mwangi
  Dates: Weekend of 24, 26 and 27 April 2008
  Times: 6.30 weekday, 3 & 6.30pm weekend
  Venue: Alliance Française
  Cast: George acted by Anthony Kinuthia (Peter Marangi)
  Marvin acted by Dan Ndambuki (Churchill)
  Jane acted by Aiméé

  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• KENYA BURNING - A photographic exhibition and Poetry on the Kenya Elections 2007 and Post-Elections 2008

  Posted: April 22, 2008, 2:30 pm by N.W

  KENYA
  BURNING
  A photographic exhibition of the Kenya Elections 2007 and Post-Elections 2008
  
  During the Kenya Elections 2007 and after, amateur and professional photographers alike captured powerful scenes of the campaigning, voting and ensuing violence and destruction. The exhibition tells this story through over 100 compelling images, presenting an opportunity for us all to remember and reflect.
  
  In words and song
  
  Simiyu Barasa
  He is a Kenyan filmmaker and member of the Coalition of Concerned Kenya Writers.
  
  Alison Ojany Owuor
  Alison is a young published poet who has presented her work in different public forums. She got her voters card and graduated from college last year. She is looking for three things – meaningful work, Kenyans who are of the ethnic group Kenyan and hopeful imaginings in red, green, white and black.
  
  Mike Kwambo
  Mike Kwambo performs regularly at the Kwani? Poetry Open Mic.
  http://kenyanexpressions.wordpress.com
  
  Erick Omondi
  Erick Omondi was the overall winner of the Story Moja Storytelling Competition held December 2007.
  
  Cindy Ogana
  Cindy Ogana performs regularly at the Kwani? Poetry Open Mic
  http://poetryloveandgod.blogspot.com
  
  2 - 4pm, Sat 26th April
  The Godown Arts Centre
  Dunga Road off Lunga Lunga road(next to Giro Bank)
  The exhibition closes on May 10, 2008
  FREE ENTRY
  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• Africans Tunes of Peace; Live Concert of Afro Rhythms

  Posted: April 22, 2008, 1:28 pm by N.W

  Lydia Dola & Anthony Mutuku
  
  Finalists of the 2005 & 2006 'Spotlight on Kenyan Music' Competition
  
  Invite you to a Live Concert at the Alliance Francaise,
  
  Come enjoy African Rhythmic Tunes
  Friday 25th April @ 7pm.
  Charges; Ksh. 300
  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• Culture Meets Environment; A Kenyan Journey to Peace

  Posted: April 17, 2008, 9:04 pm by N.W

  A Journey of Kenya trying to find peace through its culture, environment, diversity.
  
  Contemporary Dance Piece performances by Kepha Oiroo
  
  Environmental Discussions Chapter 1 & 2
  &
  A kenyan perspective on Global Warming - Wanjiku's Dream
  
  At the Kenya National Theatre
  April 2008
  18th - 6pm
  19th - 3 & 6 pm
  20th - 6pm
  
  Entry
  Adult- Ksh. 1,000
  Child -Ksh. 500
  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• Sunday Salon - Featuring Four Readers

  Posted: April 17, 2008, 3:52 pm by N.W

  Sunday Salon - April 20th

  A Prose Reading Series Featuring:

  MILLICENT MUTHONI
  NEEMA NGWATILO MAWIYOO
  ARNO KOPECKY
  KINGWA KAMENCU

  Four readers, four unique voices
  In a tranquil outdoor setting

  7-9pm, Sunday 20th April
  Kengeles, Lavington Green
  Entry Only KSh. 300

  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• WAPI Presents 'Self Mastery '

  Posted: April 17, 2008, 3:43 pm by N.W

  Presents

  SELF MASTERY

  Know Your Self First Before Anything Else

  
  Hosted by Kenyan based poetess

  
  Imani
  

  featuring

  Kaz, Ligaya, Anto, Kimya, Tim Mwaura, Paramedics, Sisqo Dancers, Judge, L-Ness, Alex Okanda & DJ Joey

  LIVE @ British Council, Upper Hill Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi)
  
  Saturday, April 19th, 2008, 9am-3pm

  GRAFFITI BY UHURU, ESSEN, ABU, SHAN, HARI, SMOKILLA, BANKSLAVE & SCHEME

  LIVE STREET FASHION BY IMANI FASHION HOUSE & URBAN PHUNK

  LADIES & GENTS- Free Entry

  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION & CITIES SUMMIT-SOUTH AFRICA

  Posted: April 14, 2008, 7:13 pm by N.W

  WIN A FREE TRIP TO DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!
  Would you like to spend part of the month of June 2008 in the sunny beach town of Durban, South Africa? Simple here’s how: Log on to www.baobabconnections.org
  Register as a member of the site. Read the competition rules and register for the competition
  INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION & CITIES SUMMIT
  Durban, South Africa; 17th -21st June 2008
  Youth & Children Championing Community Safety for A Better World
  WRITE: an essay, poem or rap lyric - or send in your multimedia and other work in the wildcard prize category! THEME: youth and children championing community safety for a better world
  
  YOUR ENTRY: think of effective or innovative ways/experiences to reduce youth crime in your neighbourhood, and submit them to us. Register before the competition closes.
  Best 20 Entries get an all expenses trip. Free flight, hotel accomodation and food for the duration of their stay in Durban. REGISTER NOW BEFORE 30 th APRIL 2008
  Getting People Connected.
  
  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• Leadership Forum - Creative Industries

  Posted: April 8, 2008, 12:59 pm by N.W

  Leadership Forum

  Networking Professionals

  The Creative Economy

  The World Bank has estimated that creative industries already contribute as much as 7% of the world GDP, exhibiting a particularly rapid rate of expansion over the past decade. The forecast is for growth rates averaging 10% per annum in the coming years.The creative industries account for 8.2 per cent of UK GDP and are growing at twice the rate of the economy as a whole – averaging 5 per cent a year between 1997 and 2004.

  Creative industries are industries based on individual creativity, skill and talent such as advertising, Art and antiques markets and Film and video amongst others.

  The British Council Leadership Forum brings you a panel of three discussing the creative economy in Kenya with the audience
  

  Duncan Ogweno
  (IT co-ordinator IFC, SME solution centre)
  

  Moses Mbasu a.k.a Buddha Blaze
  (Creative Entrepreneur)
  
  Eric Wainaina
  (Creative Entrepreneur)

  @ The Stanley Hotel Ball Room
  16^th April 2008, 5.30 pm – 8 pm
  Charges: Leadership Forum members – Free
  Non-Leadership Forum Members – Kshs 3,000 per year or Kshs 500 per session

  Please forward questions you would like to be addressed by this panel as you confirm your attendance by Wednesday 11^th April to facilitate planning.

  [britishcouncilkenyalead.blogspot.com]
  Regards,

  Stella Munene | Customer Service
  British Council | PO Box 40751, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
  Phone +254 (0)20 2836000 (Pilot) | Fax +254 (0)20 2836500

  Organisational change for less than you think.
  www.britishcouncil.org/kenya

  “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”

• Calling out: ‘Reading Stages’ workshop - Kwani Trust

  Posted: April 8, 2008, 12:54 pm by N.W

  Calling out: ‘Reading Stages’ workshop Goethe-Institute in association with Kwani Trust will run a two-day workshop intended to provide young creative writers and writing enthusiasts interested in establishing and running reading stages in Nairobi and around the country with the tools to do so. The workshop will be held on June 5th – 6th and will culminate in a free public performance on June 7th

• Kunja Dance Theatre presents - Triple Bill(Conteporary Dance)

  Posted: April 8, 2008, 12:43 pm by N.W

  Kunja Dance Theatre Presents Triple Bill '08' Wednesday 9th April @ Alliance Francaise 7.00pm A Contemporary Dance performance directed by James Mweu

• Kenya's kikoys saved by TRAIDCRAFT(fighting poverty through trade)

  Posted: April 3, 2008, 7:59 pm by N.W

  A threat to Kenya’s heritage that could have destroyed the livelihood of many thousands of Kenyans has been averted by Traidcraft Exchange and law firm Watson Burton.The Kikoy Company UK Ltd had sought to trade mark the term 'kikoy', the Kiswahili word for the colourful, wrap skirts worn by both men and women who live along the East African coast. But now the company has decided not to proceed

• BREAKFAST WITH MUGABE by Fraser Grace

  Posted: April 1, 2008, 6:04 pm by N.W

  BREAKFAST WITH MUGABE By Fraser Grace A rehearsed reading by John Sibi Okumu Lorna Irungu Andy Williams Makbul Mohammed Directed by Katie Richardson at The newly opened RAMOMA (now located in a bigger space) 12th April, 2008 From 7pm Tickets: RAMOMA, 2nd Parklands Avenue Charge: Adults-350/- Students(with ID)-200/-

• Kwani Poetry Open Mic Presenting: Black Skillz ...

  Posted: April 1, 2008, 12:34 pm by N.W

  Kwani Poetry Open Mic Presenting: Black Skillz With Live Neo Soul Music by Anto 7-10pm, 1st April Club Soundd Kaunda Street Entry Only KSh100 Limited Open Mic slots are available on a strictly first-come first-serve basis during the sound check between 5 & 6 pm on the day.

Blah blah blah

Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes