::Kenya Christian::

These are the times when you just love the internet. And for a music-lover like me this song is a gem! I didn't think I'd ever hear this song again. Used to love it as a kid(does that reveal my age, lol) Didn't know anything about this artist, only that I'd never forgotten about this song since back in the day. Enjoy this throw-back from Nigerian artists Blackky ! Listen: Blackky - "Rosie"

Open air cinema is back folks! This will be hot folks, don't dare miss it. Enjoy a unique evening watching a movie under the stars and supporting our Kenyan movie talent. Feature movie: Formula X by Steve Ominde Date: Saturday 18th, Dec 2010 Time: 6pm - 8pm Venue: Kifaru House, Kanjata Rd. off James Gichuru Road Entrance: Ksh 1000 (adults), Ksh 500 (children) Contact: screenonthegreenkenya@gmail.com

Man of the Year...maybe decade! I love how daring and crazy this guy is! Wow...talk of " enemy of the state ." Who is surprised by this though?.If you think the notion of big brother, thought control and imperialism is conspiracy theory stuff, then your naive or in willful ignorance (as I used to be.) Trust me its all real, why do you think this guy is in hiding? Movies don't get more fascinating than this.

Believe it or not I have not thought much of music's quality since the early-mid 90's. Even as a teenager I thought the quality of music had really gone down, and there was not a lot of creativity/effort being put into its making anymore. That's why when I first heard this song I was really blown away and impressed. Even by the time of its release (1997) I felt music was already getting mad lame, that's why it really stood out to me. It is from the Love Jones movie soundtrack which I haven't watched since that period, ( might check that out again:) Anyway this is probably a top 20 song of the 90's for me. Enjoy! (Two things I never knew until this post; I've always thought Randy Jackson  wrote the song, but Van Hunt wrote it, while Randy plays the bass guitar.  Dionne Farris sung for Arrested Development , I didn't know that! cool) If I was a musician serious about my work I wouldn't strive for a song any less than this.

I hope to go for this, would really like to meet the man Ngugi wa Thiong'o at least once in my life. Date: 12th - 17th December, 2010   (Keep checking this post for additional details) Featuring amongst others Binyavanga Wainaina and Mukoma wa Ngugi

Venue: Go Down Arts Centre, Industrial Area ( map ) Date: 18th December, 2010 Time: 6:30pm Entrance: Ksh 500

You know me, big Foreign Exchange fan:) Their latest album Authenticity isn't as good as their previous one which saw mad replay on my Zune . (did i mention my lovely Zune died on me some months back! sob) There are some nice cuts(like this one) on it though. Really beautiful woman in the vid by the way, black women rock!:) Previously: The Foreign Exchange - House of Cards

Previously: KenyaChristian review of Shuga

The Puesic Project is a performance project of Ngwatilo Mawiyoo, acclaimed poet and undercover songstress. Ngwatilo says Puesic [pew-sic] is the place where poetry and music meet. It remains to be seen where or if exactly that is. Check poster for details. Advance tickets can be bought via MPESA here

In this interview Mr.Chomsky talks about the Tea Party movement, President Obama, the fallacy of war and “national interest,” the “free market” system, environmental destruction & nuclear arms being humanities greatest threat among a host of other topics. I can say that Noam is one of the few heroes I have on this planet. His words have just opened my eyes to how naïve I was to a lot of global issues. I love how he exposes a lot of the lies majority of people are brainwashed with by the powers-that-be. I wish he would talk about Africa more though, I would love to hear his thoughts on the destruction our continent has been put through. On a tangential topic I can't stand how Kenya doesn't have any serious public access radio station that deals with serious issues; its full of mostly garbage.   Listen: Noam Chomsky interview on Radio Open Source Radio Open Source

featuring Brian King

featuring Kaberere Listen: Eunice Njeri - "Natamani"

Previously: Level 3:16 - "Do My Do"

Jackie Hill is an official P4CM poet Previously: Jackie Hill - My Life As a Stud

get ready for some whiplash. Yeah this is Will & Jada pinkett-Smith's 9yr old daughter. future talent?

If you are not really into all that blankets and wine stuff, there is now an alternative...Shukas & Juice. Going down tomorrow Featuring artists Ma3, Atemi, Aaron Rimbui and poets Kennet B, Wamathai, Ngwatilo among others Date: Wednesday, 20th October 2010 Venue: Kifaru House, Kanjata Rd. (Hse.No. 3), off James Gichuru Rd. ( map ) Time: 2:30pm - 6:00pm Entrance: Free Previously: Ma3 - Beba Beba video

Date: 12th November, 2010 Time: from 8:00 pm Venue: TBA Tickets: Ksh 200 12Entertainment,Uplift Agency & Madlove Lounge   present The Big Picture Concert starring d ouble Grammy Award and Dove Award nominee and three time Stellar Award winner   DA' T.R.U.T.H live in concer t. Keep posted for more details Previously: Da' T.R.U.T.H - "Lost" video

Check out more of X-Po here

Date: Thursday October 14th, 2010 Venue:  Carnivore, off Lang'ata road Time: 8pm - 12:00am Tickets: Ksh 2.500 (Advance), Ksh 3000 (Gate)

featuring Aloe Blacc "I pay my respect/ to the voice of the architect"

This is the debut single of the band Ma-3 Ma3 (Maa-Three) is a 6-piece, quirky Afro Pop band from Nairobi that borrows its name from the ubiquitous public transport mini- vans- “Ma3s“ that dot the urban and rural landscape of Kenya. The name is synonymous in Kenya with the unpredictable, cheerful and gung-ho attitude. Download the single here Check out more here and here

This is from an upcoming Tyler Perry film based on Ntozake Shange's play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf . Movie release is in November. Speaking of Tyler Perry, why don't cinema's in Kenya show his films, I'm sure there's a sizeable audience for them..?

I so hope I can make it for this! Spread the Looove people!

featuring Mr. T, Hey-Z, Eko Dydda, X-Po and Kamlesh

NPR have an early exclusive stream of the John Legend & The Roots collab album. Click here to listen. Update: Check out the Storymoja Hay Festival 2010 programme line-up here

The SAMOSA Festival is the premier festival for cross cultural interaction in Kenya. The Festival showcases the best in African, Eastern and Western cultures in the region, and is a celebration of race, cultural and ethnic differences. Date: September 18th - 25th, 2010 Venue: Alliance Francaise + others Check out more details here

Bonkers in Nairobi from Bonk on Vimeo . They have some nice stuff (and no, they're not paying me for this:) Visit Bonk website here

i had this album on repeat for months last year. It's a group i randomly discovered while listening to a BBC music station (I cant remember which one) Good stuff, I've always said if this group is part of the future of rock music, I won;t be mad. I haven't really been feeling a lot of rock for many years, but I like this group. Their style is diff

Nneka performs a new song on KEXP radio

I used to love this song as a kid, watched the video so many times. It's from their 1994 album Cross of Changes

Emergency Webcomic is a miniseries written and illustrated by Chief Nyamweya. It is based on pre-independence Kenya as seen through the eyes Chege Karobia and Kim (Dedan Kimathi). Emergency Webcomic Promo Trailer from emergencywebcomic on Vimeo . Visit the website here Read a bit of the comic here

Venue: Secrets Lounge, View Park Towers, Utalii Lane Date: Thursday, September 9th 2010 Time: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m Entrance: Ksh 150 (for reservations text 0723160575)

Kenyan technologist, lawyer and blogger Ory Okolloh talks about how the internet can change stereotypes about Africa.

This is a re-up post.I'm posting it again cause the song seems to have charted on Billboard 100 ,and I'm not even sure it was meant to be an official single To me it sounds like a previously unreleased track from maybe early 2000s or Miseducation period. It's not an outstanding song, but it's good. Let's hope there's more where this came from. Lauryn Hill - "Repercussions"

T he aim is to identify, spur and support local innovation. At the same time, Maker Faire Africa would seek to imbue creative types in science and technology with an appreciation of fabrication and by default manufacturing. The long-term interest here is to cultivate an endogenous manufacturing base that supplies innovative products in response to market needs.  Date: 27th - 28th August, 2010 Venue: University of Nairobi Main Campus Entry: Free Check out the full programme here

 The launch of the Christian spoken word album, featuring poets like Specyfyd, Pepe Haze, Nzilani, Number 8, X-Po among others. Come and support this! Brought to you by Mad Love Lounge and Full House Ent. Date: Saturday, August 28th 2010 Venue: Kenya National Archives Time: 4pm - 8pm Entrance: Ksh 300 (Advance Ksh.250 available at Keswick Bookshops or call 0720791604)

A documentary film on urban youth culture in Nairobi through the decades, and a new approach to youth consumer engagement – Branded Entertainment. Check out more here

From the Suite for Ma Dukes EP , which is an orchestral project interpreting music of the late legendary hiphop producer J Dilla. Listen: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson & The Suite for Ma Dukes Orchestra – Untitled/Fantastic *Yeah this is a re-up post. The other video wasn't the best

She's..different. The world needs different right now.

Liking the concept of this, hope we can get more creative video's in Christian rap

If you've never heard of Jin , he is is a former battle rapper and Ruff Ryders artist .

Another clip from the musical, which I wish would tour Africa. But even then I guess ticket prices would be out of reach for most. "Water No Get Enemy" from FELA! Original Broadway Cast Recording from Fela Kuti on Vimeo .

Here are some interesting video's featuring writer/activist/essayist James Baldwin I've been checking out over at Black Looks . I'm really getting more interested in his work after watching these video's. He is highly intelligent and perceptive about human nature, psychology and racism. I have a keen interest in the African-American experience and I regularly read blogs like The Root , thus I find these videos fascinating. African-Americans have so much potential to be a great and unique people, but there are things that hold them back (I think mostly self-inflicted.) I still have hope Barack Obama's presidency could be a turning point in their history. "Take this Hammer" Take This Hammer from Brendan Nee on Vimeo . "I've always known that I'm not a n*gger..but if I am not the n*gger.. and if it's true that your invention reveals you, then who is the n*gger?"

I say go for it Wyclef, why not? Brush the haters off, what have they done to help Haiti all this time? Wyclef definitely has a passion for his birthplace, Haiti. I support his bid..yeah, there. the world is changing.. Wyclef to stand for Haiti President

There is a difference between the one who rents a house, and the one who owns a house. The one who rents a house doesn't care if the walls crack and crumble, they can always move to another house. The one who owns a house knows that no one else will take care of it, thus they paint the walls and mend the cracks. More than 60% of Kenya's population consists of young men and women like us. The problem is that we behave like tenants of Kenya. We have let the older generation tear this country apart. We have let them use us to fight their battles. We have let them loot this country. We have let them fool us into thinking that we're not fit to run this country ourselves. So we hide in our alcohol, in our religions and on the Internet as if there is some other Kenya out there that we shall move to when this one crumbles. We sit at home and wait for others to fight for us on the streets. We want green cards instead of voter's cards. We are angry, but we are too scared to do ...

Some thoughts on our journey to a new constitution So, we have come as Kenyans to a crossroads and make no mistake, it is a defining moment in our nation’s history. With the manner in which some so-called leaders are acting one wonders if we live in the same country, but their stance is very understandable. Don’t be fooled, the main leaders of the No campaign William Ruto and Daniel Moi are only concerned about land and power. They are very worried that the big province of Rift Valley will be split into devolved counties. This is unacceptable to them, they have been the lords of this province for a long time.  With this power, they(especially the latter) have or at least attempted since 1991, to cow other ethnicities who live in this province into toeing their line. People like to say that Kenya has been a haven of peace in a troubled region, but that is true only if you have been willfully blind for the past 20 years. I am still in my 20’s, but since I was young I have been ve...

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

featuring Rapcha The Sayantist .

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

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

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 - Repercussion s

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.

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.

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

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.

I'm not a fan of CNN, just of Nneka Read article: The Nigerian hiphop star hailed as the next big thing Previously: ::KenyaChristian:: interview with Nneka

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.

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 invention within Africa. The key words here are to  celebrate and have fun  while  absorbing,interacting  and learning  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

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 ...

featuring among others Nameless, Sauti Sol, Juliani, Suzanna Owiyo Listen: "Wakati Ni Sasa"

by Eric Vaughn from P4CM's Lyrcist Lounge

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"

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

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

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

I love you East Africa! Here is to hoping this Common Market works this time round, lets not dwell on the mistakes and politics of the 70's. It's a shame East Africans seem so apathetic about this, as for me I am very, very excited about this. I love when my people unite for our common good, we can do this people! Stop with the fear-mongering, "our economy can't compete, we will be flooded with substandard goods, we will lose jobs." yadda, yadda, yadda..  Don't let your fears hold us back, black people we need to start believing we can do things and not waiting for The Man to help us. To all the people who have worked on the EAC thing, good job, there is still a long way to go, but we are taking small steps. This blog vehemently rejects anyone trying to hold back the unity of East Africans. I also believe in a United States of Africa, and I support Gaddafi's efforts to make this happen. You know Africans can be so behind the curve sometimes. Gaddafi...