Feeds

13615 items (0 unread) in 79 feeds

Kenyanpoet

• November 28, 2008
• 10:07

  A Snapshot of the Ongoing Crafts Tradefair at The Sarit Center

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  I am just from the Crafts trade fair that has been running from 26th till Sunday, 30th and my! I am broke already.
  
  After years of going to Maasai Market and other hidden places where artifacts and curios are sold, I have learned to look out for rare finds which I know I will not see on every lady during that wedding or one of those evenings where African themes come in handy. The sarit Crafts expo has not disappointed me at all. I dashed there with a colleague during my lunch break yesteday and today and I could just not get enough time to visit all the stands.
  
  Among the exhibitors who are there are a team from Nigeria(but I found their attires a tad too pricey - they are along the range of Ksh.6,000 and above), Kazuri beads company are also there, Woodley weavers, Ethiopian Weavers and Inside the Baobab just to name a few. Many of the other exhibitors are Women groups and groups formed by those living with HIV/AIDS who make curios as a way of generating some income.
  The Dorcus Beads  stand has Beads produced from recycled paper by women living with HIV/AIDS across Kenya and Uganda. The money is used to care for their own children and others orphaned y AIDS.
  I bought a bunch of them as she had alot of variety at a very afforable rate(from Ksh. 200/- for necklaces)
  
  My next stop was the Shanga Shanga Crafts whose proprietor, Doris N. Muli is the designer of all the items, she  is based in Malindi.
  
  She had an array of exquisite bags made of canvas, bead work others made out of the Ugandan Bark Clothe and others made of sisal with a range of designs. She also has a wide range of Khanga tops of different colours and sizes.
  
  Inside the Baobab had some customised/africanised cd holders, Folders, toilet paper hanges(see photos here) and picture albums. They are located at Yaya Center 2nd Flr.
  
  As I mentioned earlier, I just did not have enough time to visit all the stands but I can promise you that if you are looking for something uniquely African, you will most likely get it the trade fair.
  
  I hope I'll get time to go there again before it closes.
  
  See more photos here.
• 4:24

  Book Launch: History of Resistance in Kenya 1884-2002 by Maina wa Kinyatti, Mau Mau Research Centre

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  BOOK LAUNCHMau Mau Research CentreandProf. Maina wa KinyattiCordially invite you to the launch of the BookHISTORY OF RESISTANCE IN KENYA 1884-2002 authored by Maina wa KinyattionFriday 28th November 2008 between 5.30 - 7.30 pmatGOETHE-INSTITUT NAIROBI Guest Speakers:• Hon. James Orengo- Minister for Lands • His Excellency Mr. Julio César Gónzález Marchante -Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cuba Mau Mau Research CenterP.o. Box 746, 00200 Nairobi Tel: 0723911371 or 0722488367E-mail: info.mmrc@gmail.com
• November 27, 2008
• 8:58

  Takinga a Critical look at the first Mtv Africa Music Awards(MAMAs)

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  This being a blog that focuses on Kenyan arts as well as African Music, I have been contemplating whether to voice my thoughts on the just ended Mtv Africa Music Awards(MAMAs) that was on 22nd Nov at Abuja Nigeria.
  The Awards were organised by MTV Networks Africa together with  Zain, a mobile Telecommunications company that  operates in most African Countries including Nigeria.
  
  The MAMAs had 13 categories, which include staples such as Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group, Best New Act, Best Alternative, Best Hip-Hop, Best R&B, Video of the Year and Best Live Performance. While the focus was on promoting African artists, MTV Africa fans still got to enjoy American-infused hip hop, R&B and alternative music, so these categories  included both African and non-African artists.
  
  Nominations for each category were decided by a group of 150 music professionals and opinion-makers from 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including artists, music video producers, and video jockeys and radio personalities.
  
  Being Kenyan, most would expect me to be elated, however I am not, but do not brand me a hater yet.
  
  One of the Awards  that has shocked many including myself, was to in the 'Best Female Artist' Category in which a Kenyan, Wahu Mathenge won.
  
  When I saw this in our local dailies, I was perturbed. This is because I had known who the other contestants were and having heard Wahu's music in the ever noisy Nairobi matatus, I did not think that she could actually take the award.
  Other contestants who were competing in this category were, Asa from Nigeria, who I have featured on this blog quite extensively,  Zonke(South Africa), bling (mozambique) and Sasha (Nigeria).
  
  I decided to do a check on various website to see people's reaction to this, were Kenyan's proud of this? Are there those who felt that she did not deserve to win?
  A look at Vybes' article comments on the awards,
  November 25, 2008 at 2:50 pm
  Mocha says,
  
  He have been taking part in lots of awards but winning???…just bad luck. But i hope he win one soon.
  
  
  BTW hapa hapa nyumbani, Amani is a better singer than Wahu. I was even shocked, they chose Wahu instead of Amani. Maybe they could be some sought of rigging or something…lol.
  
  Njoki's comments were
  November 26, 2008 at 1:46 pm
  I do not think WAHU is the best female artist - We know what is going on. Period.
  
  However, on Kumekucha, the atmosphere was very different with alot of congratulatory messages.
  
  Its seems like the news of Wahu's win is getting mixed reactions from Kenyans especially those that have listened to music by other talented Kenyan artists or those that have listened to music by the other award contestants.
  
  
  Out of all this, one cannot help but wonder, what criteria were the MTV organisers/judges using to select the best femal artist?
  The title 'Best Female Artist' holds alot of weight and it means that the choosen artist for this award has been able to transcend the local barriers to make music that can be listened to anywhere in the world regardless of the language it is composed in. This is something alot of African music artists have been able to achieve e.g Salif Keita, Rokai Traore, Angelique Kidjo just to mention a few. Sadly, this is something I have not experienced Wahu's music, or atleast from all her previous hits. She has not yet found her place in music in terms of style and genre. The same cannot be said of Asa who's  self titled album  gives one a feel of what subject matters she tackles, her music genre and calling as well as her firm grounding in her choosen style. One can also see consistency in Zonke whose music has alot of  the distinctive South African beats and style.
  
  Another thing I found somewhat akward was the fact that the nominees were not required to have produced an album prior to entering the competition. This for a 'Best Female Artist' award is abit weird. One cannot help but wonder, under what basis was winner selected as tthe  best, a particular hit single or overall achievement?
  
  I hope that the Awards will not make young African's choose to sing African music that apes too much from the west.
  Send me your thoughts on this.
• 2:40

  Crafts of Africa Expo- Sarit Center, 26th to 30th Nov,08

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  If you are a lover of authentic African adornments, household items etc like me, then this is something you should not miss.
  The Crafts of Africa Expo is an annual fair that brings together the best artisans from the region in a 5 day showcase of the best artifacts and crafts from Kenya and beyond.
  The event which opened yesterday will be at the Sarit Center in Westlands till Sunday 30th.
  The fair is ideal especially with the holidays around the corner and what better way to remember loved ones than with some African memento.
  I am hoping to get some unique items or attire for some special occasion and I know that they usually throw in some good discounts.
  The expo has been set at a very timely period - read end month.
  A challenge to to those Kenyans still hanging potraits of jungu kids with fruits and such - yes you know yourself, get something authentic this weekend.
• November 26, 2008
• 2:42

  End Of Year Kwani Open Mic Slam, 2nd Dec,08 7pm

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Kwani Trust which has been running the Kwani open mic poetry nights for a while now, will have an end of year Poetry slam on the 2nd of December,2008.
  The Poetry slam will be for the first 15 poets to register as they will get a chance to read / perform a 3 minute poetry piece. The audience will get to vote for the winner. There will be a cash prize of Ksh. 6,000 for the winner and the 2 runner ups getting books from Kwani.
  
  They have however not indicated how the registration should be done as there is no E-mail, Box No.,contact person provided, where one can send their details.
  
  You may get intouch with them through their general contacts
• November 25, 2008
• 9:11

  Exhibition: Works by Sophie Walbeoffe & Jason Corder RaMoMA Gallery, 3rd Dec,08

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  RaMoMA Museum of Modern Art invites you to the opening of the following exhibitions
  on 3rd December 2008 from 6pm
  
  • ValDor Gallery
  New Journeys - an exhibition of works by Sophie Walbeoffe.
  Sophie Walbeoffe BA hons Studied painting at the Wimbledon School of Art. In 1987 she arrived in Kenya with Operation Raleigh as the expedition artist and met her husband in Maralal who was setting up a camel project for Farm Africa. She now lives in Nairobi whilst their herd of sixty camels happily reside below the Ngongs in the Rift valley and continue to inspire her painting.
  This exhibition features oils and watercolours of Italian and French cities plus landscapes of Kenya.
  
  • Dodhia Gallery
  The Jacaranda Conundrum - An exhibition by Jason Corder
  Jason Corder has worked and exhibited all over the world. In May of this year he started working at the studio here at RaMoMA and produced this series of paintings directly inspired by Nairobi and more specifically by Parklands and the streets around the studio. Many of the collage elements were found in the nearby streets and lanes. Jason uses many other natural and salvaged materials including red Kenyan earth, ash, plant fibres and pigments. Of the work he says, "I hope that each of the paintings can act as a link between the viewer and the earth. Each part of the earth contains its own energy, its own colours and light, its own stories. In the work I attempt to transmit this energy, to tell these stories. To appreciate the bounty around us, to find beauty among decay, this is my daily challenge as an artist." He is the recipient this year of a Ballinglen Fellowship and was nominated for the Sovereign European Art Prize. And he has started teaching at the University of Nairobi where he hopes to pass on his experience to the next generation of Kenyan artists.
• 1:51

  What can Kenyans expect from Ali Campbell after his fallout with UB40?

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Ali Campbell, born Alistair Ian Campbell, the lead singer of UB40, a British reggae band is scheduled to perform in Nairobi on 28th November at the Carnivore Restaurant, this is against a backdrop of his  recent fall out with the band formed in 1978.
  The band members began as friends who knew each other from various colleges and schools across Birmingham. The name "UB40" was selected in reference to a paper form issued by the UK government's Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) at the time of the band's formation for claiming unemployment benefit. The designation UB40 stood for Unemployment Benefit, Form 40.
  
  Before any of them could play their instruments, Ali Campbell and Brian Travers travelled around Birmingham promoting the band, putting up UB40 posters. The band purchased its first instruments from Woodroffe's Musical Instruments with £4,000 in compensation money that Campbell, who would become the lead singer, received after a bar fight during his 17th birthday celebration.
  
  In February this year, 30,000 Ugandan fans were gazing at the band, many unaware that the band were honouring their final live commitment. By that time a storm of claims and counterclaims had already broken out. UB40 said that Campbell had placed the promotion of his solo album Running Free over his duties with the band. On January 29 a statement from Campbell’s solicitors stated that the singer had left to seek “a resolution to ongoing long-term issues that have arisen with the business managers of UB40”.
  
  As Kenyans hope to get their pay before friday to watch the man behind some of the greatest reggae hits, most might not think that the breakup will have any effect on the planned show. I however do get the feeling that the red red wine will not taste the same. Ali will not have the same conviction saying 'I've got you babe' or confessing that he indeed has many rivers to cross.
  
  Very few artists who break away from bands are able to still give the same quality of music, for some, the breakaway becomes the onset of their personal problems with drugs, promiscuity etc( a good example is Bobby Brown who left the group New Edition)
  The feud between UB40 took a further twist when it was announced that lead singer Ali Campbell would be replaced by a new member - his brother Duncan.
  
  Ali's explaination as to why  he was leaving the Band after almost 30 years was because management difficulties had become "intolerable". He claimed the disagreements had been going on for nearly five years and he was "deeply unhappy" with many decisions. A UB40 spokesman disputed his comments over the situation with management.
  
  Whatever his reasons for leaving the band, I hope he has thought everything through lest he becomes a shadow of his former self. Ego has a way of making us do stupid things.
• November 21, 2008
• 8:38

  Kachumbari Band live Concert - Acapulco Bar, 22nd Nov, 9.30pm

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  There will be a live concert and party with Kachumbari - an afro-asian fusion band @ ACAPULCO BAR AND RESTAURANT on Muthithi Road, Westlands.Get rocked to scintillating 45 mins performance by DJ Gupz!
  Date: Saturday 22nd November
  Time: 9:30pm
  Entrance: 300ksh
  
  Kachumbari Seven is a new musical group for Kenya. It aims to create original new music to celebrate the diverse mix of African, Asian and European cultures found in Nairobi.
  
  Amongst the group, our musical backgrounds represent North Indian and Nepalese classical and folk traditions, the European classical tradition, the English folk tradition, and African music tradition from parts of Kenya and beyond.
  The music is a colourful mixture of sounds, moods and atmospheres, created by flowing from improvised music to sections with strict rhythms, melodies and ragas.
  
  Kachumbari Seven gave its first performance on 18th November 2006 at the GoDown Arts Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. You can listen to clips from the concert here. Watch their performance here
• November 20, 2008
• 12:06

  Poem: Its been a long time coming!

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Its been a long time coming,
  the day that one would be judged,
  not by the color of their skin,
  but by the intellect of their brain
  and depth of their character.
  
  It has been a long time coming.
  from when the first white man landed on the African soil,
  enthroning himself - the great one,
  fountain of all knowledge, truth and life.
  not realizing that the Egyptian pyramids, its pharaohs and the Great Nile civilization
  existed before his time.
  
  It’s been a long time coming,
  from when we, the first slaves set foot on the Caribbean, American and European shores,
  our African royalty not withstanding.
  Our human dignity not withstanding.
  Our rich culture and traditions not withstanding.
  Our darker shade of ebony, the only thing that stood the test of time and reason,
  as the only thing needed to know all about our nature and brain capacity.
  We, black, African people, standing somewhere between primates and sapiens-
  The missing link.
  It has been a long time coming.
  
  But as sure as the sun goes to sleep, as it did on us for 200 years,
  there is always a promise of a new day with the rising of the sun.
  The rise of Africa’s sun, its sons and daughters.
  That day is today
  Its been a long time coming, but change has come.
  
  Now we, can stand tall and not be afraid to dream
  For anything is possible, when you believe.
  --------------------------------------------------
  N.W
  kenyanpoet(at)gmail.com
  All rights Reserved©
  20th Nov, 2008
  --------------------------------------------------
  This piece is a celebration of all Africans in the Diaspora and in memory of those that never lived to see this day.
• November 18, 2008
• 8:43

  Tandaa Conference in Camera

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  If you missed the Tandaa Conference, here's some photos from the event,enjoy. Sorry no vids
  Find presentations here.
  
• November 14, 2008
• 7:44

  Tandaa Conference: Live Coverage

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  I am currently at the much anticipated Tandaa conference that started today at the KICC.
  The event started slightly late with most of the morning speakers missing their slots.
  So far we have heard from Paul Kukubo, the Kenya ICT Board CEO, the PS, DR. Bitange Ndemo also gave a talk on the Government policy on National Content Development.
  The Cisco team was also in the house as they are also working very closely with the Kenya ICT Board in the laying of infrastructure as well as providing advice on best practices. Prof. Patrick Spenser, the Internet Business Solution Group(IBSG), an arm of Cisco gave a talk on 'Connection Nation: Driving change and growth.
  Prof. Henry Thairu, gave a talk on E-learning in Kenya in retrospect to the developed world, this is also in a backdrop of the current distribution of internet infrastructure in the world.
  Ian Fernades of the Nation Media Group was also present and spoke on the importance of local content and the repurcussions. He however tried advocating against giving content for free(mostly in the case of Media houses) but I tend to differ with him on this as most internetional media houses, an example being CNN, have made their content free, maximizing on advertising.
  The Capital group headed by Cyrus Kamau and Sheanice presented 'The Media Focus' wondering if Media was dead giving way to new media.
  We've also heard from Joseph Mucheru of Google on local content and what Google is doing in this regards
  We are now back for the afternoon session.
  I will be updating you  later. Photos coming up soon also
• 1:45

  Kicheche @ WAPI, 25th Nov, British Council Grounds

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  WAPIPRESENTSKICHECHE MC LABALAA Performances byMC Sharon, Octoppizzo, Sharama, LongJohn, Lethal Dynamic, The Outsiders, Lion Paw Family and many moreLIVE @ British Council, Upper Hill Road, Upper Hill, NairobiSaturday, November 15th, 2008, 9am-4pmGRAFFITI BY UHURU, ESSEN, ABU, SHAN, HARI, SMOKILLAH , BANKSLAVE & FELOK, SCOPTER, FACT, JKELLO, LASE, SCHEME, BANDITS, OPEN MIC: 1pmGLAM UP Fashion Showcase at 1pm (Inside British Council Building)LADIES & GENTS- Free Entry HIP-HOP-POETRY- SPOKEN WORD -- B-BOYING - GRAFFITI - ILLASSTRATION - CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP - SELF ELEVATION- STREET LINGUISTICS- FASHION- BUSINESS NETWORKINGNEXT WAPI: SATURDAY DECEMBER 13th 2008: ‘SPOKEN WORD’
• November 13, 2008
• 7:22

  Play: Let Kenyans be Kenyans, Alliance Francaise 26th - 30th Nov

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Heartstrings Kenya brings you ‘Let Kenyans be Kenyans’, by Dan Dambuki aka Churchill.
  The play will be staged at the Alliance Française Auditorium on Nov. 26,27,29 and 30th at 6.30pm weekdays and 3& 6.30pm on weekends.
  The play has been directed by Victor Ber and Sammy Mwangi.
  To book a ticket, call: 0721 608 656
  Charges are Ksh. 500
  'God Couldn't be Everywhere, so He created Kenyans'
• November 10, 2008
• 8:27

  South African Songbird, Miriam Makeba dies of Heart Attack at a concert in Italy, 10th Nov

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Legendary South African songbird Miriam Makeba has passed away in Italy. "Mama Africa", as the 76 year old performer was fondly called, collapsed while performing at a music concert in Naples in honour of Italian writer Roberto Saviano, who received death threats after writing an expose of the Italian mafia.
  
  "She had been the last one to go on stage, after the performances of other singers," an AFP photographer said.
  
  "There were calls for an encore and at that moment someone asked if there was a doctor in the house. Miriam Makeba had fainted and was lying on the floor."
  
  She was taken to a clinic where she died of a heart attack, ANSA said.
  
  Makeba was born in Johannesburg on March 4, 1932, the daughter of a Swazi mother and Xhosa father.
  
  She captured international attention as a vocalist for a South African group, The Manhattan Brothers, when they toured the United States in 1959. Her citizenship was taken away the following year when she wanted to return home for her mother's funeral, and she then spent more than three decades in exile, living in the United States and Guinea.
  
  She was briefly married to trumpeter Hugh Masekela, another famous South African artist who also spent long years in exile under apartheid.
  
  Makeba had her biggest hit in 1967 with "Pata Pata" -- Xhosa for "Touch Touch", describing a township dance -- but unwittingly had signed away all royalties on the song.
  
  She was often short of money and could not afford to buy a coffin when her only daughter, Bondi, died aged 36 in 1985. She buried her alone, barring a handful of journalists from covering the funeral.
  
  According to her biography, she also battled with cervical cancer and a string of unhappy relationships. It said rumours of her alcoholism were unfounded.
  
  While she was still in enforced exile, she performed with Paul Simon in the US singer's 1987 Graceland concert in Zimbabwe, neighbouring South Africa.
  
  She finally returned to her homeland in the 1990s after Nelson Mandela was released from prison as the apartheid system they had both fought for so long began to be dismantled.
  
  But it took her six years to find someone in the South African recording industry to produce a record with her. She entitled it "Homeland".
  
  Info courtesy of AFP
  
  
  Thanks Kwambo for the info
• 1:39

  Tandaa 2008: Kenya Content Conference, 14th Nov,08 @ KICC

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  The Kenya ICT Board will be holding the Kenya Content Conference dubbed "TANDAA 2008" at the KICC on 14th Nov,2008. Tandaa is Kiswahili for spread or network (verb). At this conference, the board will launch the National Digital Content Strategy – the plan that will be used to stimulate Local Content Development in Kenya. The Kenya ICT Board has targeted to grow internet usage by 50% annually from the current 3 Million users to 12 Million users in 2012. The Local Development Programme is seen as pivotal to the optimal usage of the infrastructure that is being developed by the Kenya government i.e. the Undersea Optic Fibre Cable project and the National Optic Fibre Cable project, both of which are expected to be in Kenya in the coming
  year.
  
  In addition, the Local Content Development programme is complimentary to the board's Rural Inclusion programme – Digital Villages Project that has been branded Pasha. Tandaa08 will be an ideal platform to sensitize Kenyans on:-
  • Business and other opportunities that lie in Content Development
  o Business applications Development and promotion mechanisms
  o Entertainment media and Community Publishing
  
  • Ongoing initiatives by government and public sector for creating an enabling environment for Content Development
  o Business incubation mechanism
  o Develope Venture Capital system
  o Aligning policy and incentives to support content development
  
  • How to identify relevant local content
  • The collection and preservation of traditional content
  • The distribution of content of all kinds to every Kenyan who needs it
  
  Objectives
  Tandaa '08 is organised under the following Kenya ICT Board strategic Objective:
  • To develop and promote competitive ICT industries in Kenya through:
  Enlisting key sponsors of Tandaa08 will achieve the following objectives:
  
  • Excite participants on the emerging opportunities that are developing in the field of content development
  
  • Sensitize participants of the ways that content works with the other existing ICT initiatives in the support
  of content development entrepreneurship
  
  • The Kenya ICT Board will launch the Kenya Content Strategy
  
  Some of the  the speakers will be the PS. Dr. Ndemo, Hon. Poghisio, Linus Gitahi of NMG, Hillary Ng'weno, Muthoni Garland.
  
  Microsoft, Google, RiverWood, Kencall and strathmore Business School will also be represented by their respective speakers.
  Kwani Trust will provide entertainment through its Poets.
  To Register, log on to the Tandaa Website or email
  
  This will indeed be a great opportunity to bloggers like me and many other individuals/companies that have alot of content that has not yet been  digitized
• November 05, 2008
• 10:49

  The South Asian Mosaic of Society and the Arts(SAMOSA) Festival is on: 15th - 22nd Nov,2008

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  The South Asian Mosaic of Society and the Arts (SAMOSA) Festival which was first organized at the GoDown in 2005, is a cultural tool conceptualized by AWAAZ. It has showcased the South Asian community within East Africa through a series of exhibitions, discussion forums, concerts and dance performances. The vision is to make the SAMOSA Festival, with its emphasis on cultural fusion, become an item on the world cultural calendar, to be mentioned in the same breath as the Zanzibar International Film Festival, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival.Previous festivals have successfully focused on aspects of the past. This year’s SAMOSA theme is “Celebrating Daily Life”. It will allow the organizers to highlight what is joyous and beautiful in the day to day interactions of each and every one of us.
  Among the activities lined up during the festival which will run from 15th to 22nd November will be FAFA – Showcasing Fashion with an Afro-Asian Fusion Flair,
  Photography Exhibition, Concerts, The Spirit of Dance, Performances - both Poetry and Musical, Film Screenings, Discussion Forums, Crafty Activities for Children(see full program below)
  
  Some of the notable Poets who will be gracing the SAMOSA Festival will be Shane Solanki and Yusra Warsama
  
  Shane Solanki is a London-based spoken word artist of East African Indian origin, whose accessible and contemporary poetry embraces music, comedy and theatre. His music has been produced by Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh, and his distinctive style of writing helped form the brand identity of renowned record label Ninja Tune. His first short film was directed by "the Full Monty" director Peter Cattaneo. In 2006 he formed his company, 'the D'Archetypes', a multimedia theatre ensemble, which toured India as representatives of the British Council. Recent performances include a UK tour with Don Lett's 'Speakers Corner' (a show which examined the concept of slavery in 2007's multi-cultural generation), and a collaborative performance with acclaimed contemporary Ghanaian choreographer Freddie Opoku-Addaie written specifically for the launch of the London arts centre Richmix. Shane writes and performs for the band 'Last Mango in Paris', whose debut album will be released in autumn 2008.
  
  Yusra Warsama is a performance poet and actor, born in the United Arab Emirates to her Somali nomadic mother and city-dwelling Father. She started writing aged six and found a way of expressing, and articulating the world around her. Whilst studying and writing 3,000 word poems and thoughts instead of criminological essays, Yusra came to the Contact theatre to explore her acting and realised she had a fire for performance poetry. Since then she has acted and co-written several theatre shows around the country ('The Bolt Hole' - Birmingham Repertory Theatre 2006, 'The Girl Who Lost Her Smile'- York Theatre Royal 2006) and worked with Apples & Snakes on the Exposed tour. Recently Yusra has taken part in Contact Young Writers in Residence and Don Lett's 'Speakers Corner'.
  
  Full SAMOSA Festival Program Sat, November 15th
  All Day Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition Nairobi Musuem
  Sunday, November 16th
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition Nairobi Museum
  6pm - 8pm "Oceans Apart" - Theater Nairobi Muesum- 500/=
  Monday, November 17th
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition-Nairobi Museum
  1:30 - 3:30pm -Children's activities -Braeburn
  7:00 - 9:00pm- Movie Night - Traffic Signal -Nairobi Museum- free
  Tuesday, November 18th
  All Day- Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  1:30 - 3:30pm Children's activities -Braeburn
  5:00 - 7:00pm Discussion Panel: Triple Heritage Nairobi Museum -free
  Wednesday, November 19th
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition Nairobi Museum
  1:30 - 3:30pm Children's activities Braeburn
  6:30 - 9:00pm Evening Entrepreneurs Cocktail Nairobi- Museum- Invitation
  Thursday, November 20th
  All Day- Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  Friday, November 21st
  All Day- Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  1:30 - 3:30pm Children's activities -Braeburn
  Saturday, November 22nd
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  8:30pm on… Kachumbari fusion jazz concert, DJ Gups -Acapulco -300/=
  Sunday, November 23rd
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition Nairobi Museum
  5:30 - 7:30pm -Movie Night - Mo and Me- Nairobi Museum -free
  Monday, November 24th
  All Day- Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition Nairobi Museum
  Tuesday, November 25th
  All Day Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition Nairobi Museum
  3:00 - 5:00pm "Chotara and Proud" - Panel Discussion Nairobi University free
  Wednesday, November 26th
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  8:00pm -Dinner for three with Shane Solanki (Buffet) -Aanghan Restaurant -2000/=
  Thursday, November 27th
  All Day Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  8:00pm -Slam Poetry with Shane Solanki -Daas Restaurant -200/=
  Friday, November 28th
  All Day- Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition- Nairobi Museum
  Saturday, November 29th
  All Day -Celebrating Daily Life - A photography exhibition -Nairobi Museum
  7:30 - 11:00pm Fusion Fashion Show Oshwal Centre 1500/=
  
  For more info: Contact Dipesh Pabari on + 254 (0) 733 989082
• November 03, 2008
• 2:19

  Play: A trap for a lonely man @ Karen Blixen, 14th & 15th Nov

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Play: A trap for a lonely man will be staged at the Karen Blixen from 14th-5th Nov, 7pm. It is a thriller by Robert Thomas. Charges are Ksh.500 without dinner and Ksh.1700 inclusive of dinner.
• 2:17

  Obama -The Musical at the Kenya National Theatre, 3rd - 5th Nov.

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Obama -The Musical is a musical narration told in dance and song under the direction of George Orido. The shows which started yesterday 2nd will be on till the 5th Nov at the Kenya National Theatre from 3, 5 and 8pm. charges are Ksh. 500 for adults, ksh. 400 for Students and Advance and Ksh. 1000 for the VIP section.
• 2:12

  Album Launch: 'Kenyadebut' by Stan, 15th Nov, 7pm @ Sohos

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Album Launch: Stan will be launching his debut album, 'Kenyadebut' on 15th Nov at Soho's restaurant. The Album production has been done under the label, Penya Kenya.
  
  Multi-gifted performer. Born Stan M. Nganga on November 12th, 1979 at the Pumwani maternity hospital in Nairobi. Raised by a single hardworking mother the late Irene Wambui, spending the first early years together with younger brother Chris in the care of the grandmother whom would play the children her favourite music. Another source inspiration came from his auntie whom loved singing and who would have the boys singing along. To Stan music was instant and despite his tender years he came to grow fond of its creative genres especially Jazz & RnB. It wasn’t until high school that he made a serious attempt in arts as he tried out for the school choir though getting a negative feedback.
  
  Stan would keep the faith that in one day finding a way and room for expressing his musical ideas. In 2000 he enrolled in a French class at the French cultural centre of Nairobi, a location that would prove to be life changing as he was both introduced to salsa dancing and musicianship as he would spend many hours rehearsing in their compound garden. One thing led to another and soon he found himself at the United States International University (USIU) teaching salsa to the students and one of them being Benjamin Wanjohi, with whom he later formed a musical duo (song/guitar) simply called Stan & Benji. The duo would also team up and offer salsa classes to the public, a service that up to now is still growing and on demand. Always having the time to retreat to the garden of Alliance France he would further sharpen his skills and eventually also started playing the guitar.
  
  Gradually visitors grew in numbers and the spot became a creative oasis for aspiring artists, of which today some belonging to the “Imekubaliwa” network featuring Dela, Sauti Soul & Tiffany Muthoni. For almost a decade Stan would jump in and out of recording studios but without any major breakthroughs. There were always issues of creative freedom and the fact that it required resources not available at the time. As a matter of fact he even came across insulting advice yet again suggesting a change of career and lack of support. This was until he came across the Eastlands based Penya label/studios in Buru Buru. Together with producer Wawesh they were able to complete the debut album in less than 3 months.
  
  The new environment allowed Stan to capture and express the ideas that he had carried along the way for what seemed as forever. 15 songs presented in 15 different ways and showcasing a creative & unique voice from Kenya, telling stories of love, pain & joy, all in a package everyday people can relate to, Its Ethno, Soul, Jazz, Latin, Reggae, Funk & Urban, magical local music with an international appeal!
  Sample more of his music here.
  
• 2:09

  Photo Exhibition: Sokoni Toi, Sat 8th, 2pm @ The Godown Arts Center

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Sokoni Toi will be holding an exhibition of his painting and sculpture works by Kota on Sat 8th Nov at 2pm at the Godown Art Centre.
• 2:02

  Workshops & Performances: Dance Montage @ The GoDown, 3rd-5th Nov

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Dance Montage, a project by Dance Forum Nairobi will be holding workshops at the Godown Arts Centre starting today 3rd to 15th Nov. The workshops are from 10am - 5pm at their Industrial Area space. There will be solo and group performances on 6th November at the Goethe Institute.
  
  Originating in 1969, Dance Montage has grown from a showcase of students’ work into an annual community dance event not to be missed. Dance Montage integrates the fresh energy of beginner dancers and choreographers with the polished experience of accomplished professionals to create explosive performances. The show incorporates over 10 dance styles including Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Afro-Brazilian, Jazz, Physical Comedy, House, Middle Eastern fusion and Latin.
  For more info: danceforumnbi@gmail.com
• 2:00

  Play: Perfect Wedding@Alliance Francaise, 8th & 9th Nov

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Perfect Wedding, a play written by Robin Hawdon will be showing at the Alliance Francaise on the 8th and 9th Nov. The play will be staged under the direction of Festival of Creative Arts. Charges are Ksh. 400 Adults, Ksh. 300 students & advance tickets.The play will be staged at 3,6 and 8pm
• 1:55

  Album Launch: GOGOSIMO - Heshimu @ Alliance, 7th Nov

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  The GOGOSIMO music group will be launching their album 'Heshimu' on 7th,Nov at the Alliance francaise from 7pm.