Feeds
7171 items (0 unread) in 54 feeds
Welcome to Mashada Blogs! Read all your favourite blogs in one place.
«
Expand/Collapse
Kenyanpoet
-
-
9:23
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
The GoDown Arts Centre and the Embassy of the United States of America presents
CONTEMPORARY & URBAN DANCE
Featuring FARE WELL; the End Of The World As We Know It
By American Choreographers/Performers
Maida Withers, Wendell Cooper, Steve Hilmy
And Kenyan Contemporary Dancers*
At the GoDown Arts Centre, Nairobi
Tuesday 3rd June 2008 at 7:30pm
Tickets: Ksh 300/=
* Kunja Dance Theatre, Julliette Omollo, Neema Bagamuhanda, KephaOiro, Evans Ng'ang'a, Mark Onyango, Michael Muriithi, Rebecca Gatu and Joseph Kanyenjo “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
1:58
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
MAY 25TH PUBLIC CELEBRATIONS ORGANIZED BY:
The Forum for African Affairs, Fahamu, All African Peoples Revolutionary Party (AAPRP), Niaje?YOUTH, One African Initiative and the Centre for Pan-African Initiative
50 years of Africa Liberation Day: How far is Africa from unity?
WHEN: Sunday, 25th May 2008 TIME: 1.00 – 7.00 pm
VENUE: Lenana Room, KICC, Nairobi
12.45-2.00 Film Screenings (Mau Mau, 500yrs and Fidel Castro)
2.00 – 2.10 Opening Songs: Spirit of Africa by Sara Mitaru
Poem by Tempa Tella & Allo Allo by Agwambo Odera
2.10 – 2.20 Opening Remarks:
2.25– 2.55 Speaker: Prof John Trimble, AAPRP, Rwanda
Speaker: Godwin Murunga, Lecturer of History, Kenyatta University
2.55 – 3.05 Poetry by Githuku/ Biko/ Open mic
3.05 – 3.35 Speaker: Wahu Kaara, Executive Director, KENDREN
Speaker: Awino Okech, ACORD
3.35 – 3.45 Poetry by Grandmaster Masese
3.45 – 4.30 Plenary Session - All
4.30 – 4.50 Responses from speakers
4.50 – 5.00 Closing Remarks by Hilary Mulalia, One Africa Initiative
Moderators: Hakima Abbas (AU Monitor, Fahamu) & Agwambo Odera (niaje?YOUTH)
10 MIN BREAK FOR REFRESHMENTS THEN ENTERTAINMENT 5.10 – 5.40 Sara Mitaru and the Villagers
5.40 – 5:50 Poetry by Tempa Tella, Philo Ikonya and the Villagers
5.50 – 6.20 Performance by Islandos & Ukoo Flani
6.20 – 6.50 Performance by the Warriors
6.50 – 7.10 Performance by Michelle and Senta lain
MC – Agwambo Odera & Hakima Abbas
Context May 25th 2008 marks 50 years of the celebration of Africa Liberation Day and 48 years of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU). The African Liberation Day emerged out of the conscious struggle of African people against oppression and is celebrated every year to mark the onward process of the liberation movement and to symbolize the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation. 50 years since the inception of the African Union, how far has Africa come and how far are we from achieving political and economic integration? What are the benefits of African unity? What have been the major highlights and the low points for Africa since 1958? What are the new frontiers for Africa. Join this exciting discussion as we recapture one of Africa’s finest moments and draw lessons for Africa today and the future.
For further information contact: Dolphine Ndeda – Email: panafrica1@oxfam.org.uk. Tel: 254 20 2820159
Background
On April 15, 1958, in the city of Accra, Ghana, African leaders and political activists gathered at the first Conference of Independent African States. This conference was attended by representatives of the governments of Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, The United Arab Republic (which was the federation of Egypt and Syria) and representatives of the National Liberation Front of Algeria and the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon. This conference was significant in that it represented the first Pan-African Conference held on African soil.
The Conference called for the founding of African Freedom Day, a day to “mark each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.” Between 1958 and 1963 the nation/class struggle intensified in Africa and the world. Seventeen countries in Africa won their independence and 1960 was proclaimed the Year of Africa. Further advances were also made with the defeat of U.S. imperialism in Asia and the Caribbean.
On the 25th of May 1963, the First Conference of Independent African States was held in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thirty-two leaders of independent African states attended this meeting and it is at this historic meeting that the leaders founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU). They renamed Africa Freedom Day "African Day" and changed its date to May 25th. By then more than two thirds of the continent had achieved independence from colonial rule.
African Liberation Day (ALD) emerged out of the conscious struggle of African People against oppression. It marks the onward progress of the liberation movement in Africa, and symbolizes the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation”. This important, historic event has been observed and institutionalized in various places worldwide, every year since its inception.
Though ALD began on the continent of Africa, people of African descent and their allies celebrate ALD throughout the world. It has become an expression of African peoples’ self-determination, and solidarity with other progressive struggles. This year is the 50th anniversary of ALD and the 45th anniversary of AD.
"The total liberation and unification of Africa under an All-African Socialist Government must be the primary objective of all Black revolutionaries throughout the world. It is an objective which, when achieved, will bring about the fulfilment of the aspirations of Africans and people of African descent everywhere." Kwame Nkrumah. He Had A Dream, An African Dream It all started as a vision of one man,
A the dream of one son,
A son of Ghana, a Nkrumah who sang a song
whose words were written with the blood of our brothers sailed off
to plantations as slaves to white masters.
A song whose rhythm and tune was hummed
by the cries of our people
Feet shuffling, hands trembling, mouths begging
We don’t know them!
We don’t know the freedom fighters
The rhythm of whips cracking on their backs
The sound of gunshots reigning in the dull yet sunny days,
Dark, yet moonlit nights.
The sounds had become a dirge to their ears
Maafa, Maafa
his was a song whose commas and full stops,
verses and chorus was the stamping of weary dusty feet
forcibly led into crammed concentration and detention camps
to die of hunger, thirst,
Informers, turncoats or home guards
His dream’s song like a bush fire, spread across the land,
Across the great Nile, Lake Tanganyika, the Zambezi and Chania
Kingston, Harlem, the Caribbean.
The strained tunes of this sweet song became a spell
Its spirit haunting Edward Wilmot
W.E.Dubois, Muamar Ghadafi
His majesty Emperor Haille sellasie,
Marcus Garvey,Julius Nyerere
Malcolm X, Fela Kuti,
The fathers of Pan-Africanism.
This was a song of pain
The Pain of being an African
A black man, a native
The pain of being un civilized
uneducated, uncultured
The pain of being colonized by a fellow human being
whose religion, traditions and language
was no more superior than our own.
Maafa, maafa
They sang a song of strength
A song of unity
A song of one enemy
A song of liberation
Africa’s Liberation
Like a chain, their weakness,
Would be their greatest strength
Being black, being African
This song gave them a reason to unite, to fight
To think as one country, one man, one mind This song was the cry of
A unified Africa
United States of Africa
Umoja Africa
I too sing that song today
---------------------------------------------------------
N. W.
Feb 08,2008
All right Reserved©
---------------------------------------------------------
“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
4:29
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Dreams of My Father, by Barrack Obama How do challenges shape a leader? How does adversity give rise to an icon? How does a Kenyan background, a white upbringing and an Indonesian childhood shape the next presidency of the United States? At the inaugural Storymoja Book Club, our special guest, P.L.O Lumumba, will lead the discussion about how a self proclaimed ‘skinny kid with a funny name’ beat all odds to come within reach of the most powerful office in the world, and what lessons we can learn from his amazing story. Come share your thoughts with us. Join the Storymoja Book Club Review and voice your opionions on your favourite books in monthly meetings Opportunity to interact and network with professionals across the city Enjoy fabulous discounts of upto 20% on books, food and drink, courtesy of Booksfirst, Sherlocks Den Restuarants, and Storymoja First meeting featuring Barack Obama's Dreams of my Father will be held at: Booksfirst/Sherlock’s Den - Nakumatt Lifestyle, 1st Flr.
Wednesday, 5th June 2008.
6pm to 8pm For more information, please email bookclub@storymojaafrica.co.ke or info@storymojaafrica.co.ke Or call Carol, Antony or Anne on 0722-838161 “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
7:05
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Thanks to Buddah Blaze of WAPI, I got to learn that Yossou had expressed regrets in performing during the Sawa Sawa festival scheduled to happen at the end of the month(check previous post). It can now be confirmed that Senegalese Maestro Baaba Maal is the next big attraction during this year's Celtel Sawa Sawa Festival brought to you by Sarakasi Trust and the Netherlands Embassy.  Baaba Maal will be headlining the Saturday May 31st performances slated for the Nairobi Arboretum from noon till 6pm. WAPI will also grace the Arboretum venue with 'Sawa Mtaani', aimed at showcasing underground performing and fine artists as well as an open mic session.Ghetto Radio will also be present. About Baaba Maal Baaba Maal is a Senegalese singer and guitarist born in Podor, on the Senegal River. In addition to acoustic guitar, he also plays percussion. He has released several albums, both for independent and major labels. In July 2003, he was made a UNDP Youth Emissary. Born 12 November 1953. Since his father was a fisherman, Baaba Maal was expected to become a fisherman as well. However, under the influence of his lifelong friend Mansour Seck, Baaba Maal devoted himself to learning music from his mother and his school's headmaster. He went on to study music at the university in Dakar before leaving for postgraduate studies on a scholarship at Beaux-Arts in Paris. He has become quite famous in Africa and is also the most internationally famous musician from Senegal, with the possible exception of Yossou N'Dour. Baaba sings primarily in Pulaar and is the foremost promoter of the traditions of the Pulaar-speaking peoples who live on either side of the Senegal River in the ancient Senegalese kingdom of Futa Tooro. On 7 July, 2007 Maal performed at the South African leg of Live Earth. “It strengthens my determination to work harder to contribute more to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged people of the African continent, especially young people, whose future is seriously threatened by illiteracy, poverty and HIV/AIDS. When I am talking about Africa, it is about how Africa will grow into the new millennium.” Baaba Maal “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
6:36
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
What is Spoken Word? Is it really hip hop??? One thing that’s certain is that more and more hip hop fans are allowing Spoken Word into their cribs. Does Spoken Word have what it takes to make it mainstream?  Poetry slam; ideas of dimly lit cafes, mahogany tables, free spirited individuals of all colors, dreadlocked hair humbly standing on a stage in front of others like them, speaking of oppression, struggle, history, and truth - Not exactly the image that record labels try to market within the rap and hip hop genre, huh? But despite not being the most known sect of hip hop, spoken word continues to push forward through the waves of marketable mainstream music and make its’ presence felt within the worldwide urban community.
Now, before we can hop into the “locks” of spoken word, we need to travel right to the roots and explore the core of the art, and the long history which surrounds spoken word poetry. The true essence of music isn’t built on the instrumentals, or flashy marketable stereotypes, and infectious hooks; instead the essence of music finds its’ roots right within the words, and in order to take an actual look into the heart of music we have to look past the catchy beats, and “blinged” filled videos, and peer right into the words that the artist speaks… hence, spoken word.
Simply seeing the term, “spoken word”, images of a lone man or woman on stage with nothing but a microphone, and a voice box to produce rhythm come to mind, allowing us to relive a moment in time, or experience an emotion; that essentially is the definition of Spoken Word poetry, the act of reading a literary work or poem out loud. However, we have to keep in mind that Spoken Word poets do not necessarily follow the conventional “guidelines” of poetry (remember trying to count syllables and stanzas in the back of your grade 11 English class during the poetry unit?).
Guidelines don’t exist within Spoken Word, instead a different approach is taken, which offers a more free flowing, and open ended style of poetry where there are no real limitations, and a poet is essentially able to do what they please. In fact, Spoken Word extends itself into all different artistic styles, ranging from the recitals and performances of poetic works by Shakespeare and further manifesting itself into hip hop music, all through the use of rhythm and words.
As far as looking at where it all started, there really isn’t a specific time, or group that opened up the world of Spoken Word, but it can be said that it’s most basic form has existed for centuries, ever since mankind learned how to communicate with those vocal chords (Rahzel would have had his own shrine back then).
But, we can still attribute the creation of Spoken Word back to times of ancient chants, and tribal story telling that have swayed generations, which really is the epitome and true primal nature of Spoken Word, the act of communicating with others through words. Read more from DropMagazine
“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
8:15
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
 Presents PHOBIA Why Are YOU So Scared?? Hosted by multi-talented poet POINT BLANK featuring Judge, Moroko, Grand Master Masese, Wenyeji, Neema Ngwatilo, Kama, Jaymo’s Band & DJ Joey LIVE @ British Council, Upper Hill Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi)
Saturday, May 17th, 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 WAPI EMSII GENIUS: PROMOTING POSITIVE THINKING THROUGH A SWAHILI RAP BATTLE THAT BUILDS LEGENDS, MANY PRIZES TO BE WON
“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
4:16
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Who we are? We are the 10th daughter of Gĩkũyũ and Mũmbi  The one spoken of in low rehashed tones With eyes full of sadistic pity The one who, without a husband bore outcasts Casting on stone the traits of children born of men but not of fathers. We are the daughters of women Who dared raise their children in a society that looked at them As rebels of traditions, Wreckers of holy unions, Winds of destruction on upright family foundations We are the daughters of Wamũyũ We are the seeds of relationships gone cold Chilly as the wafting wind as it dried a girl’s wet eyes After the man who, on every trip from the river Held her behind, in bushes with promises of love and joy With wild flowers and sweet bush berries Turning her toes into a painter's hand That drew figures and imageries on the dry red soil On hazy sunsets, At the foot of the valley that separated his and her homes, He sank into the ground, leaving her with a growing seed We are fruits of his wild mind That made her naïve like sheep to a wolf Begging her to let him in, Into her heart, into her veins Knowing only too well That her heart was a black rose in a beautifully tendered garden of life. We are the caricature of a grandparent's pet, Our view of men is as skewed as our view of life Thinking it will offer you a carpet to step on, Only for you to walk barefoot on a path laden with rocks, thorns and broken bottles. We are the young girl who confuses her uncle’s hand under her skirt, to a touch of love We are the young lady who seeks elusive attention to herself for reassurance of who she is. We are the woman who despite finding the right kind of man who will respect her, Constantly forgets as she seeks more attention from men, With every smile she gives, heartache, unfulfillment and guilt she receives. We are the child who grows up into a mother, afraid to bring up her kids like she was And for that, stays in an abusive marriage hiding blows and burns. The deferred punishment her father never gave her For she sees a father in her man, not a lover. Our sons and daughters though scorned at Are human doves, symbols of love, peace and joy in between spasms of impatience, egocentric thoughts, In their hearts, generosity flows like rains from the skies We are the clan of Wamũyũ Children of lone soldiers. N.W April 2008 kenyanpoet@gmail.com ------------------------------------------- All rights reserved©“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
23:29
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Rhythm & Spoken  Poetry and open mic night
Dass Ethiopian restaurant, Westlands
Date: Friday May 16th 2008
Starts:8:30pm Perfomances: 9:00pm-10:30pm Entry:100 call: 0728 293 632 “As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
1:03
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Dobet Gnahoré in Nairobi, Kenya "It’s because Dobet is so passionate, possesses such powerful, vital and bubbling energy, is so impatient but also has such appeal and introspection. And the question rapidly arises as to how to resist the force and diversity of her intonation, which is sometimes solemn and intense but at other times piercing and strident..."
- World
 Dobet Gnahoré, a singer, dancer and percussionist from the Ivory Coast, inherited the force of the "Bété" tradition from her father, Boni Gnahoré, a master percussionist who plays with the Abidjan-based Ki-Yi Mbock Company, directed by Werewere Liking. It was within this Ivory Coast-based company that Dobet met French guitarist Colin Laroche de Féline, who went there to immerse himself in African melodies and rhythms, after being introduced to them by Toroma Sika in France.Having spent some time in the well-known Tché Tché dance company, Dobet decided with Colin (in 1999) to form a duo, Ano Neko, which means “Let’s create together“ in the Bété language. The duo toured widely in France (1999-2000) where they settled temporarily following the instability that unfortunately struck the Ivory Coast. Dobet sings in a range of African languages including Bété, Fon, Baoule, Lingala, Malinke, Mina or Bambara, thereby reproducing the Pan-African tradition of the Ki Yi Mbock group. On stage, her voice, her charisma and her presence, the result of several years theatrical and choreographic work, has immense audience appeal.“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
0:25
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Last year's Sawa Sawa Festival 2007 surpassed all expectations by revelers and organizers alike since Sawa Sawa 2007 brought together a grand collection of artistes from all over the world like Burning Spear, Hugh Masekela, Dutch Reggae Luie Hond alongside pianist Mike Del Ferro and Kenya's very own Eric Wainaina, Harry Kimani, Ayub Ogada, Cheche, Bad Man Kollege and of course the Sarakasi Dancers and Acrobats. The festival attracted the biggest gatherings a musical event has ever attracted in Kenya with over 7,000 people and 60,000 people in attendance at Arboretum and Kasarani Stadium  respectively. The event also raised the bar a few important notches in event organization and security coordination. Sarakasi is proud to announce the return of Celtel Sawa Sawa 2008. This year Black Uhuru (Jamaica), Youssou N'Dour (Senegal), Mahotella Queens (South Africa), body percussionists Percus Normades (Benin), Habana Sax (Cuba) and Beef (Netherlands), Rajeswari Sainath (India) alongside Kenyan stars will give revelers a thrilling performance of its kind ever witnessed in Kenya and the region. The Celtel Sawa Sawa Festival is put together by Sarakasi Trust, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and Celtel in an effort to bring quality entertainment to all Kenyans indiscriminative while at the same time celebrating the diversity of culture. The weekend long event enjoys massive support from local and international partners and donors among them The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Celtel, Mundial Productions, Double 2, KBC/ Metro, Stadia Management, KLM , the Usa Embassy, The Indian high Commission and the Ministry Of Culture. This year the festival has been divided in to three concerts. The first will be the VIP dinner concert (by invitation only) at the Sarakasi Dome on Friday 30th May. This will be an extra ordinary event that will see Sarakasi officially launch the Sarakasi Dome and Base (at former Shan Cinema/ House on Ngara Road). The premises will officially become home to Sarakasi Trust complete with office space, vibrant performance venue, an auditorium, rehearsals spaces, exchange workshop space/ information resource facilities and a restaurant.  Saturday's event(31st May) at the Nairobi Arboretum will be a family day of Afro modern entertainment that is open to the public. Youssou N'Dour, Mahotella Queens and Percus Nomades along with some of Kenya's renowned artists like Kanji, Makadem and the Sarakasi Artistes will give the audience a sterling performance. To accommodate all this action will be 3 stages; The main stage, The Acrobatic/ Dance Stage and the Youth/ Open Mic Stage. The Afro roots event will be on Sunday 1st June and will take place at Kasarani Stadium. It is open to all the Reggae Roots lovers for a thrilling performance by reggae bands Black Uhuru and Beef among other local and regional artistes namely Hart & Soul, General Oryx and The Warriors. Both days (Saturday and Sunday) are FREE to the public! A lot of emphasis will be put on Security and thorough event coordination (incl food court, children activities and a vending area) as is synonymous with all Sarakasi events. There will also be opportunities for exchange Programs between local and visiting artistes. You may contact Sarakasi on any of the following numbers: Office : (020) 559757 Rahim : 0724747769 Marion : 0722 811926/ 0734 811926 Sheba : 0724 894106 Ojay : 0720991148 Info courtesy of www.Sarakasi.org“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
-
-
11:36
From: Kenyanpoet
Read This Entry & More At Kenyanpoet
Late last year, Sasini Tea and Coffee Company, more known for its growth and export of Kenyan tea and coffee, opened one of its many chain coffee lounges to be set up both in Nairobi as well as Dubai and London. The lounge was an instant success for many coffee lovers who were looking for more venue varieties, value add and the ultimate ambiance. Barely 5 months after opening their first lounge, Sasini recently unveiled yet another coffee lounge slightly away from Nairobi's CBD.  The National Museums of Kenya(NMK) headquarters located on museum hill is a place that had been closed for renovations and upgrade for close to 2 years. It was finally opened fully to the public early December with alot more to offer; Situated at the newly constructed wing of the NMK that also houses a vast exhibition space spanning two floors, Savannah NMK lounge is right adjacent the entrance and also neighboring an African Heritage shop. I visited this new spot slightly over a week ago having frequented the Loita Street one before. What I loved most about the NMK coffee lounge was the balcony. It has a vast terrace that overlooks the snake park, giving one the great outdoor scenery of tall trees that one craves when they visit the nature park at the Museum. The spot is hoped to, not only target the huge number of residents and non residents frequenting the historic and educative hub, but also to attract those living within the parklands/westlands area as well. They are open, everyday from 7.30am to 8.30pm ( closing times are flexible). Their menu consists mainly of sandwiches and refreshments. I overheard that they are currently in talks with a publishing house to jointly run poetry evenings at the lounge. That, I think, will be a great value add to them as the Museum already has that artistic feel to it and what could be more thrilling than art enthusiasts taking an afternoon/evening to get a dose of performing arts, literature and culture all in one setting. If you haven't been to the museum lately, you are in for a surprise. Resident charges to the exhibition space are only Ksh.100(adults). By the time you are done with the 2 hour tour, you will definitely need a drink/bite and thats where the Savannah Coffee lounge comes in.“As to the pure mind all things are pure, so to the poetic mind all things are poetical”
  
Read the complete article at Kenyanpoet
|
|
