Kenyanpoet

• Kenya's Queen Jane dies: Remembering the Queen of Kikuyu Music

  Posted: June 30, 2010, 6:11 pm by N.W

  Queen Jane, one of Kenya's Kikuyu benga musicians is Dead. Queen Jane whose real name was Jane Nyambura succumbed to an illness she has had for a while now at the St. Mary's hospital in Nairobi.
  More news about her death and life as a musician can be read here and here.
  
  One of her greatest hits was 'Tiga Kwiyamba"(stop braging/boasting) which received alot of airplay in Kenya's venacular stations.
  
  Lets pay tribute to this daughter of Gikuyu.
  
  

• Mines & Mind Fields book launched on 26th June at Silverbird Westgate

  Posted: June 28, 2010, 3:47 pm by N.W

  For those you who normally buy the Saturday Nation(you are many, as I came to discover), there was a full page article in the magazine with an interview about me as well as info that my book was to be launched that same day at the Silverbird Westgate.
  
  My apologies if you did not receive an invitation, I was working with a figure of 70 guests as the space given by Silverbird could not take more.
  
  The event  did have a slow start courtesy of providers showing up late. I think I lost my nerve more than once. I hate incompetence. Why would we agree that you are doing the setup at a certain time because the launch is from 2.30 then you show up at 2.30pm. I was furious.
  
  Hitches started from 12pm. I was at the venue at 11.30am. The Power setup guys came and just sat as if waiting for their cables to find their way to a socket!.  The decor guy showed up with the tables at 2.15pm and kept lying that he is at the corner whenever he was called 1hr earlier. By the time he was setting up the tables, some guests had already started streaming in. The last straw was the trussing which the guys kept fumbling to put dressing on and setup for the launch. I had to walk away to cool off.
  
  Despite the hitches, we did start the program albeit 1hr late though the guests were patient(there was alot to see at the store)
  
  Our MC for the day Anto who I like calling Anto Neosoul coz of how I came to know him some years back at Kwani open mic, was the earliest and was aptly prepared for the occasion. He started us off with a an intro of Aziza an upcoming AfroSoul male quartet. The event was actually more of a poetry open mic one as there were more performances than speeches. His singing which has a rich blend of tenor left everyone in awe wondering why he did not win that MNET competition. (Anto is known more for his acting in a Siri as well as in the AIDS documentary Sugar)
  
  Mstari Wa Nne was in the house and their poetry was amazing as ever. Other writers also published by Nsemia, Moraa Gitaa (Author of A Crucible for Silver & Furnace for Gold), Chris Okemwa (Author of the Gong) and  Matundura were also present with Moraa reading an excerpt from her book and Chris performing a poem on love. Ngwatilo did her legendary 'Lessons from home' which most of us prefer calling 'Goat Meat'.
  
  I did not realize how excited and proud my family was for me until that day. They came in huge numbers and shared in the joy of launching the book.
  
  My publisher, Dr. Matunda who flew all the way from Canada just for the occasion made sure that everything was taken care of staying around till after 7pm to ensure that nothing went a mis.Now, that is dedication.
  
  Somehow, it seems like the menu for the event was very well thought out. Everyone was amazed at the quantity and quality of the delicacies that were served, my colleagues are still telling me about it now. I was too nervous, excited and at some point apprehensive to enjoy anything.
  
  Many thanks to those who came. I hope you will get yourself a copy of the book. Enjoy some of the moments captured. Official photos with the Video coming soon
  
  

• Mines & Mind Fields book launched on 26th June at Silverbird Westgate

  Posted: June 28, 2010, 3:47 pm by N.W

  For those you who normally buy the Saturday Nation(you are many, as I came to discover), there was a full page article in the magazine with an interview about me as well as info that my book was to be launched that same day at the Silverbird Westgate.
  
  My apologies if you did not receive an invitation, I was working with a figure of 70 guests as the space given by Silverbird could not take more.
  
  The event  did have a slow start courtesy of providers showing up late. I think I lost my nerve more than once. I hate incompetence. Why would we agree that you are doing the setup at a certain time because the launch is from 2.30 then you show up at 2.30pm. I was furious.
  
  Hitches started from 12pm. I was at the venue at 11.30am. The Power setup guys came and just sat as if waiting for their cables to find their way to a socket!.  The decor guy showed up with the tables at 2.15pm and kept lying that he is at the corner whenever he was called 1hr earlier. By the time he was setting up the tables, some guests had already started streaming in. The last straw was the trussing which the guys kept fumbling to put dressing on and setup for the launch. I had to walk away to cool off.
  
  Despite the hitches, we did start the program albeit 1hr late though the guests were patient(there was alot to see at the store)
  
  Our MC for the day Anto who I like calling Anto Neosoul coz of how I came to know him some years back at Kwani open mic, was the earliest and was aptly prepared for the occasion. He started us off with a an intro of Aziza an upcoming AfroSoul male quartet. The event was actually more of a poetry open mic one as there were more performances than speeches. His singing which has a rich blend of tenor left everyone in awe wondering why he did not win that MNET competition. (Anto is known more for his acting in a Siri as well as in the AIDS documentary Sugar)
  
  Mstari Wa Nne was in the house and their poetry was amazing as ever. Other writers also published by Nsemia, Moraa Gitaa (Author of A Crucible for Silver & Furnace for Gold), Chris Okemwa (Author of the Gong) and  Matundura were also present with Moraa reading an excerpt from her book and Chris performing a poem on love. Ngwatilo did her legendary 'Lessons from home' which most of us prefer calling 'Goat Meat'.
  
  I did not realize how excited and proud my family was for me until that day. They came in huge numbers and shared in the joy of launching the book.
  
  My publisher, Dr. Matunda who flew all the way from Canada just for the occasion made sure that everything was taken care of staying around till after 7pm to ensure that nothing went a mis.Now, that is dedication.
  
  Somehow, it seems like the menu for the event was very well thought out. Everyone was amazed at the quantity and quality of the delicacies that were served, my colleagues are still telling me about it now. I was too nervous, excited and at some point apprehensive to enjoy anything.
  
  Many thanks to those who came. I hope you will get yourself a copy of the book. Enjoy some of the moments captured. Official photos with the Video coming soon
  
  

• Wamathai Celebrating 1st Blog anniversary with poetry at Secrets Lounge, 30th June

  Posted: June 28, 2010, 1:47 pm by N.W

  Wamathai, one of Kenya's poet and blogger is on 30th June celebrating 1 year since the inception of his blog Wamathai.com which he started as a space  to exercise his creative juices.
  
  Within the space of a year, the blog has grown to incorporate writings of  short story writers and  poets  Wamathai.com has since its humble beginnings crossed the 10,000 unique visitors mark. The site, now with 20 authors, is one of the few spaces on the Internet one can find a unique blend of fresh and exciting writing from Kenya from several creative genres.
  
  The 1 year celebration will be in the form of  a performance and readings from authors and poets as they share some of their most popular pieces of poetry and creative writing. This will be at the Secrets Lounge in View Park towers in downtown Nairobi, just adjacent to the Alliance Francaise. The vent starts at 7pm, charges will be Ksh. 100. Special guests to this event include popular afro fusion singer Dela, TV presenter and blogger Anyiko Owoko, Michael Kwambo & Myself from the highly respected poetry collective Mstari Wa Nne,  Jemedari among others.
  
  There will be poetry books on sale, blue mothertongue by Ngwatilo, Mines & Mind Fields as well as publications from other Kenyan Poets.
  
  Additional info courtesy of NairobiLiving

• A night of Poetry Art and Music at Karen Country Lodge

  Posted: June 24, 2010, 6:36 pm by N.W

  Last Friday 18th, we were at the Karen Country Lodge for the ASAP event organized by Kaz. The event is a monthly one which started not so long ago. It hosts an Artist, A singer and a Poet hence the initials. Quite a well thought out concept.
  
  The event was set to start at around 8 and as I got to learn, the place had been fully booked(guys had been encouraged to book in advance)
  
  As I later shared with my crew - Mstari Wa Nne, its like the old Kwani crowd had moved and was now the resident crowd for the ASAP event. Binyavanga, Judy Kibinge, Mumbi Kaigwa, Nini Wacera and Wanuri Kahiu with their friends were all there.
  
  At 9pm, the show started, the host, Kaz who started by telling the audience about the event with info on the feature artists for the evening.
  
  Gakunju Kaigwa had a lovely collection of earrings. This was indeed a surprising sight for me for I have always known Gakunju for his amazing sculptures. It seems like he is now venturing into more crafts judging by the earrings and mwikos he had at his dispaly table.He did manage to still squeeze me some space for the several copies of my book that I had carried with me.
  
  Mstari was set to go first. Grand Master Masese who never disappoints with his Obokano hit the stage followed shortly by Dennis Inkwa who turned out to be the crowd's darling being called up towards the end of our act to do  a performance with Kaz. His poems on IDPs, the new book he is writing and the rather short one on life in comparison to his (Vuvuzela) left everyone in stiches.
  Next was yours truly  got on stage with 'When Change Comes',  'Hiphop' and 'My Words'.
  
  The Chairman aka Leon was truly the evening's love doctor. His love prescriptions and dosage of his poetic medicine that he administered to the crowd got ladies making all sorts of sounds and the men threatened by the smooth  lines  which am told did 'Charm some pants off' as his poem went. My best poem from him that evening was the one about the lady who wanted "John to walk all over her".
  
  Mike the final act for Mstari was next with 'Vision 2030'. This seemed to touch a certain lady who later approached Mike with an interest to have it performed in some corporate event.
  
  Denis did get called back on stage and this time round decided to do a free style with Kaz on how she faked her orgasm, that was truly nuts but not below the duo.
  
  Just a Band, the 2nd act for the evening were next although with Chuchu conspicously missing. I tend to think that Chuchu is a behind the curtains kind of guy. I have never seen him perform in all the shows I've been to by the trio. On his behalf, they had brought a lady on board.
  
  I have alot of admiration and respect for the group that continues to amaze everyone not only with their musical skills but also with their general outlook towards everything. If you want proof, ask about 'Makmende'. I however tend to think that theirs is the kind of music you would rather listen to recorded as opposed to a live performance. There we were, crowd half drunk but with music they couldn't stand and start dancing to, it wasn't a nice feeling. The chilling weather in the place did not help either.
  
  I did manage to walk around saying hallo, marketing my book and guess who my first buyer was! None other than Binyavanga who had just arrived the previous day evening. It felt really weird when he requested me to sign it for me. I felt truly flushed, and took more than a min trying to figure out what to write.
  
   By the time I was leaving, I had managed to sell several copies and pitch ideas on a possible production of collection.(If you have any more ideas, please hit me up)
  
  Watch out for the next ASAP next month. Till then, enjoy the slideshow.
  
  

• Mstari Wa Nne, Just A Band, Gakunju Kaigwa & Kaz,at Karen Country Lodge, 18th June

  Posted: June 11, 2010, 2:52 pm by N.W

• Gabonese Afro Zouk singer Oliver N'goma dies on 7th June of Kidney Failure

  Posted: June 10, 2010, 1:19 pm by N.W

  Oliver N'goma a Gabonese singer hailed as the king of  Afro Zouk  is dead
  
   Regarded as "a monument of Gabonese music", N'goma gained international fame through music in the style "Zouk".
  
  One of his biggest hits 'Bane'  continues to  receive huge airplay in Kenyan radio stations that  play Rhumba and/or African classics more than 20 years after its release. The song also happens to be the title of his first album.
  It initially did not receive commercial success until Radio Africa N.1 and Gilles Obringer on RFI played songs from the album. The album became one of the biggest sellers in the history of African music.
  
  N'goma died in a hospital in the Gabonese capital, Libreville. He suffered kidney failure.
  
  Nicknamed "Noli," he was born in Mayumba in south-west Gabon in March 23, 1959. Oliver N'Goma started singing at the age of eight years. His father was one of the best players of his harmonium region.
  
  Music and cinema have been the two passions of this artist. He studied accounting at the technical school of Libreville. He made his debut in integrating the high school band, Capo Sound, as a guitarist.
  
  The second album "Adia", also in partnership with Manu Lima, was released in December 1995. Five years later, Oliver took a new approach with "Seva", choosing to work with artists with different musical backgrounds.
  
  More than ten years after he started out, Oliver N'Goma's music, a catchy combination of West Indian zouk and African beats, is as alive as ever.
  
  Interestingly, the news of his death did not receive any media attention in Kenya despite there being 4 fully fledged Rhumba and African Classic radio stations. But I guess with resources being directed at the Serial Killer, World Cup, By-Elections, The Budget, there was simply no space/time to highlight the death of a mere musician.
  
  
  Bane
  
  
  and Adia
  

• 'Mines & Mind Fields; My Spoken Words' finally arrives in Kenya retailing at Ksh. 750

  Posted: June 9, 2010, 8:28 pm by N.W

  After what has seemed to me like the longest wait ever, My book is finally available in  Kenya.
  
  So far, Africa Book Service (ABS) is confirmed, my publisher is still talking to various other bookshops to stock the title. Apparently, most publishers don't fall over themselves seeking to stock poetry books but I am hoping that by your frequent requests, they will look for it.(It was hinted to me that the book needs to be in demand for most of  them to stock it)
  
  So, for those of you who have been dying to get a copy, head on down to Africa Book Service situated  along Koinange Street opposite the Zain Service Center and what was formerly Kengeles (I suck at directions)
  
  The book is going for Ksh. 750.
  
  The launch is tentatively set for 19th of June, I will confirm the full details once they are firmed up.
  
  Email me in case you have any problems or further queries(like interviews or autographs......lol)
  njeriwangari(at)kenyanpoet(dot)com
  
  The book is now also available at the following book stores
  - All Siverbird Media Stores
  - University of Nairobi Bookshop
  - Book Point along Moi Avenue

• Sanabora looking for a Web Designer & a Professional Photographer

  Posted: June 7, 2010, 8:52 pm by N.W

  Are you  a web designer or a  professional photographer?
  
  Then Sanabora Design Hse Ltd is looking for you. You must have creative and dynamic abilities.
  If interested, email  wario(at)sanabora(dot)com.

• Wanted: Web Ads Sales Reps

  Posted: June 4, 2010, 8:35 pm by N.W

  Are you a natural born sales person with LOTS of drive, eagerness to learn and desire to be super successful? Do you also have a special interest in online advertising and digital media? If so, we have a unique and fantastic opportunity for you in ViRN Instruments.
  
  Please read on:
  A dynamic and growing Online destination dedicated to content is looking to hire a bright and energetic sales representatives.
  
  We are seeking Sales people who can sell adspace (Advertising space) on our websites:- Ukurasa, Wallapa, blogs.virn.net, news.virn.net and more.
  
  What are we looking for in you?
  Good knowledge of the web – social sites, search engines, gadgets,etc
  Great sales & negotiation skills – if you can sell water to an Eskimo then it’s you we are looking for
  A self starter who can hit the ground running
  Ability to bring in new accounts (online advertisers and publishers)
  
  The Fine Print
  - Independent Rate Card thus commissions based.
  - Revolving Income (Not limited to an initial sale)
  - Significant growth opportunities
  
  Interested?
  Send an email to info(at)virn.net

• The 2010 World Cup in South Africa to start off in a Musical Celebration on June 10

  Posted: June 4, 2010, 3:30 pm by N.W

  With only 5 days to go to the biggest event ever held on African Soil, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has been billed as the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa.
  
  The inaugural FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert will bring together artists from Africa, Latin America, Europe and the USA all in one stage - The Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg on June 10th evening.
  
  Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS(Black Jacks), John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela will all be in South Africa to set off a month full of a battle that can almost be likened to the World War - a clash of nations on a pitch.
  
  This historic music event will take place in front of a capacity stadium audience of an estimated 30,000 people. It  will be broadcast to hundreds of millions more worldwide. It is scheduled to begin at 20.00 local time (GMT+2). That will be 7pm Kenyan Time.
  
  Like many Kenyans who will not make it down South, I will be among the many millions watching it live.
  
   Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control Room was selected by FIFA has to organise and produce the concert. Control Room has masterminded some of the world’s biggest and most complex events, such as Live Earth 2007, which featured 150 artists performing on seven continents over the course of 24 hours to raise awareness of climate change.
  
  

  “We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert, we will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable, must-see experience,” said Wall.

  
  Award-winning jazz musician Hugh Masekela, Afro-pop sensation Freshlyground, Mzansi Youth Choir, Soweto Gospel Choir and African hip hop artist K'NAAN were later  included after local musicians complained that there were not enough African and South African artist for the June 10 concert in Soweto.
  
  

  "As South Africans we are proud to be hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil," said Hugh Masekela in a statement.

  
  

  "I am very humbled and flattered to be part of this global event and am looking forward to the concert with great interest and excitement," he said.

  
  Musically, South Africa has produced some of the best artists to come from Africa with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Jonathan Butler, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Soweto Gospel Choir, Rebecca Malope just to mention a few. The inaugural concert might turn out to be the flame that will spark alot of musical shows and concerts to run throughout the period of the World Cup in different parts of South Africa. With the huge number of visitors patronizing their night spots for some taste of South Africa, I can bet that the South Africans  will showcase their best in music, dance and Culture.
  
  Curiously, no Kenyan artist got a chance to represent us in this historic event.
  

• 2010 Sigana International Storytelling Festival June 11; The Wonders of Living Tales

  Posted: June 3, 2010, 12:54 pm by N.W

  2010 Sigana International Storytelling Festival3 days of sheer magical delight ofSTORYTELLING PERFORMANCEFeaturing cross-continental renowned professional Storytellers ALL celebrating
  The Wonders of Living Tales
  
  The 2nd edition of the Sigana International Storytelling Festival is here. The 3 day event to be held at the Alliance Francaise will see storytellers from India (Jeeva Raghunath), the US (Diane Ferlatte), Sweden, Uganda (Andrew Ssebaggala) and Tanzania come together with Kenya’s finest to share their diverse storytelling traditions. Their repertoires will include Asian, European and African folktales and inspirational stories, the struggles and triumphs of African American experiences, as well as stories that touch upon our common humanity. A must attend Festival of stories galore!
  
  VENUE: ALLIANCE FRANCAISE, off Loita Street Nairobi City – Kenya
  Friday June 11th at 6.30pm
  Saturday June 12th at 3 & 6pm
  Sunday June 13th at 3 & 9pm
  
  ADVANCE BOOKINGS: Adults Kshs.300 Children Ksh.150
  (at Alliance Francaise Reception & Phone: 0721764622/0724884327)
  
  CHARGES AT THE DOOR: Adults Ksh.400 and Children Ksh.200.
  
  The festival has been organised by Zamaleo Arts & Cultural Trust.

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Fish cakes

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Yet more fish cakes

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The end of the fish cakes