Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Wamathai II @ Secrets Lounge


Venue: Secrets Lounge, View PArk Towers, Nairobi
Date: Thursday, Aug 5th 2010
Time: 7:00 pm till late
Tickets: Ksh 300 (spaces limited) call/text 0722352239

Video: Kuweni Serious! - "Save Yourself. Vote"



featuring Rapcha The Sayantist.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Video: Fela! The Musical (clip)

Nah, not the whole musical...you wish.lol.

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai

I'm posting this up because I think every Kenyan needs to see this film. Moving, powerful, inspiring, incredible..too many words. I went to a screening, and there wasn't a dry eye in the audience after the film.


It is now showing at Prestige Plaza. I think especially young Kenyans need to see this because a lot of them don't know how far we've really come from as a country. Thats why it boggles my mind to think anyone would vote no and stick with the current (soon to be old)constitution. But that's a blog for another day. Go see this film. Hopefully it will be aired on National TV sometime soon..

 Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy—a movement for which this charismatic woman became an iconic inspiration.
More info here    Previously: Taking Root trailer

VHP 1.2.1: Mos Def - "Travellin' Man"

Still my favourite Mos Def song ever. This is from DJ Honda's 1998 album HII. Hip-hop at its best imo..*sigh I miss her



The innovative/ Classical B-Boy image/Collect the winnings/Cause that's the reason that we came here/This thing is not a game here/The fortune not the fame here/From New York to the Cakalaks
Cali in the Cadillacs/Chicago know we innovate/Infiltrate Virginia State/DC make me stimulate/Philly know we penetrate/Georgia make us generate/Let's set a date to get the papes/They celebrate to my jams in foreign lands/Even your mans in Japan know who I am/Minasan, like everybody out in Nippon/Say ichiban
(lyrics from OHHLA)


Previously: VHP 1.2.0-Janet Jackson

Bonus: Lauryn Hill - Repercussions

Monday, July 26, 2010

Storymoja Hay Festival 2010


Date: 1st - 3rd October 2010
Venue: Railways Club Grounds
Time & Price: TBA

(picture by Kenyanpoet)

Last year's Storymoja Hay Festival held at Impala Club was really good. This event is a must for anyone interested in the arts and literature.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Grand Debate (Trailer)

from the KenyaScienceCafe



I attended this, and though it was poorly organized it was nevertheless interesting. Science doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves in Africa. I appreciate that this forum is trying to make science accessible to the masses.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Video: Kuweni Serious! - No More Cash!



Gowi Odera organized a peaceful street demonstration to protest the recent move by Kenyan MPs to increase their salary – a move that has been met with condemnation from many corners. We talked to Gowi and some of the protestors who turned up. What do YOU think? Is there anything you feel strongly enough to take to the streets for?
via Kuweni Serious! 

Also check out their creative comic strips on the Proposed Constitution @ Soma Hiyo Something

Monday, July 19, 2010

Video: Good Hair (Trailer)

I happen to prefer natural, I think many other black men do too to be honest



This movie was released last year, but I wanted to post this cause I've wanted to blog on this subject for some time.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Video: Kikulacho (trailer)



How devastating is poor organization and management to a country and its people? How can we ensure better leadership and a better tomorrow for our children?

These are some of the themes explored and laid bare in the film Kikulacho – the Bite Within. Kikulacho is a powerful Kenyan documentary that examines how corrupt systems and policies have impacted on the common people. But it is also a story of hope and triumph that aims to look at how our institutions and leadership can be shaped by the people themselves to realize their dreams.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Maker Faire Africa: Call For Makers


What we ask is that your contraption, prototype or demo, be it something you made yourself or together with others. We are just as interested in the finished item as the process/path the Maker(s) took in getting there. Photographs/Video of the assembly/fashioning/fabrication process are welcome they will add very valuable context to what you/your and or co-makers will be presenting.


The underlying theme of our inaugural event is to celebrate ingenuity, innovation and inventionwithin Africa.The key words here are to celebrate and have fun while absorbing,interacting andlearning from the creativity of others
Entry Close Date: July 15th, 2010
Date: August 27th - 28th, 2010
Venue: University of Nairobi
Hours: Friday 10am - 8pm, Saturday (10am - 6pm)

Submit you project here  For more info contact info@makerfaireafrica.com

Friday, July 09, 2010

Interview with Nigerian artist Nneka Part 2

In part 2 of my exclusive interview with hip-hop/soul artist Nneka we discuss issues such as her faith, her deep lyrics and how she plans to maintain her musical purity in an industry that has destroyed many before her. (Read Part 1 of the interview here.)



::KenyaChristian:: In my review of you album “No Longer at Ease” I termed your lyrics prodigious. You seem to have so much wisdom, where does this come from?

 Nneka: I have no clue, I feel small, I feel I know nothing. I only use my heart and my pain..

::KC:: Your music also contains a lot of spirituality and references to faith and God. Germany seems like a very secularized country. How was it living there and how did you maintain your faith?

 Nneka: It is always difficult when your far from home, far from what you consider as comfort. But well all these things have a reason, and led to my finding my passion and identity..(which is) music

::KenyaChristian:: Your music has been compared to Lauryn Hill’s, and we all know what happened with her career. Right now your music and message are still raw and pure. Do you ever think about how the music industry (especially American) might try and change you and make you into something you’re not and how do you plan to deal with that?

Nneka: I know where i am coming from. I remind myself of the source, of the intention, therefore I stand strong and rooted.

::KenyaChristian:: Your music is like finding a diamond in the rough. Why do you think a lot of music is so bland, empty and lacking substance these days?

Nneka: People are too focused on themselves, on their fame, on their pockets. The heart is dying and the head is swelling, therefore the soul suffocates and there is no air left for love.



::KenyaChristian:: Ken Saro-Wiwa was murdered for his activism and outspokenness on the situation in Niger Delta. “Niger Delta” on your 2nd album is a very powerful record, do you feel you are continuing Ken Saro-Wiwa’s mission through you music?

Nneka:  I am raising awareness and trying as much as possible in my own way to contribute to the wellbeing of my home.

::KenyaChristian:: You talk about love being the most important issue and how a person must do everything with love. Why is love so important in what someone does?

Nneka: Because without it nothing makes sense, you poison the entity and joint that keeps people united.

::KC:: I would really like to see you tour Africa, and come to my country Kenya and hold a concert. Nigerian pop artists and movies are popular here in Kenya. Do you intend for Africans to hear more of you and your message?

Nneka: Call me, and hook me up. I am always willing, and I am looking forward to it.

::KC:: I for one would love to hold a conversation with you on Africa, faith, love and other issues, haha.

Nneka: No problem, I am down bro, anything for the love.

::KC:: Thanks for doing this interview.

Nneka: Thankyou too and God bless.

Video: Kenyans for Change - "Amua"

featuring among others Nameless, Sauti Sol, Juliani, Suzanna Owiyo



Listen: "Wakati Ni Sasa"

Video: "True Social Justice"

by Eric Vaughn



from P4CM's Lyrcist Lounge

Video: Mavuno Worship - "So Unchanging"

Here are more video's from The Mavuno Worship project. I don't even know why I don't have this DVD yet and I always see it. Need to buy this...



"Jesus Show Me The Way/Fall Down"


"Pushing Forward"

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Video: "Rise Up" by Jose Palos

So, which has been your favourite Lyricist Lounge poem/poet so far?

Friday, July 02, 2010

Video: Spensha Baker - "Hallelujah"

let's get some praise up in hurr. enjoy your Friday!

Video: Jah Sun ft.Queen Omega - "Meditation"

yeah...I'm feeling reggae again these days.