FRANK ODOI RE-LIVED AT ALLIANCE FRANCAISE…

 From Tuesday July 15^th to the 19^th; the late iconic Ghanaian African comics artist; Frank Odoi; who came from Ghana and made Kenya his home; has been re-lived at the Alliance Francaise in Nairobi.

Tuesday night was the official launch night with dignitaries and media personnel making time to attend and bid from his art works?

The MC for the night was Classic FM’s Nick Odhiambo; who treated the art lovers to a great night of jokes; humor and fun bidding while cracking their ribs up.

Also in attendance was Machakos County Governor; Dr. Alfred Mutua; who out bid others to take home a self-portrait for KES 40,000.

The event was graced by fellow cartoonists; Gaddo, Maddo and Kham; as well as Standard newspaper columnist and publisher; Mr. Barrack Muluka.

EARLY LIFE…

Frank Odoi settled in Kenya over 30 years ago from his native Ghana. His work has appeared in various newspapers in the East African region including- THE DAILY NATION; THE STANDARD; THE STAR and THE DAILY MONITOR.

His comics have also been published in Finland. One of the most celebrated of his works is AKOKHAN, THE “SWORD AND SORCERY” comics series; that ran in Kenyan newspapers and found a home at Kenway Publisher as a book.

This is what defined him as a peer of the great comics artists of Europe and West Africa and from which this exhibition draws its title.

Frank died on April 21, 2012; in traffic accident in Nairobi when he was just embarking on several more publishing projects and just after the Kenya Government had finally granted him citizenship.

He left behind a widow; Monicah Carol; three daughter, Maureen; Francesca, and Francine; and 4 young grandchildren. All of them were able to attend the art sale exhibition and even had a chance to talk to the public.

The artist’s original artworks and digital prints being offered for sale to the art and culture loving public; saw proceeds going to his family for the education of his grandchildren.

The event also featured a 50 minute video documentary-THE LIFE AND TIMES OF FRANK ODOI; that contained amazing never seen before archival footage of the late artist.

All in all; it was a well-organized event. Free cocktails for the guests and bonding over chips and nuts just made it even more fun. The event was supported by Alliance Francaise; Oxford University Press; 4D innovative; East African Educational Publishers and Buni Media.

Photos courtesy of-LEO-22 HOUSE OF PHOTOGRAPHY and Aurelia Laget of Alliance Francaise.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?

set=a.501093773301332.1073741856.440804702663573&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151614340514221.1073741845.29247434220&type=3

OUR BOY VICTOR MUGUBI…

This week has been a great week. A week of history being made and re-written. History maker; Victor Mugubi Wanyama’s dream came true.

The Harambee Stars captain; Kamukunji High School alumni and former Nairobi City Stars player; signed a 4-year contract deal on Thursday night after completing his record breaking 1.63 billion(£ 12.5 M); Scottish transfer to Southampton.

Wanyama 22; now becomes a “saint”- the nickname to English side; Southampton.

Many years ago (well; not so many); when I was a little boy; my grandfather often told me that a child born belongs to the village and the people. A son of the soil or a daughter of the village.

Kuka would tell me that a success story of an individual is our story and that is why today; to many Kenyans; “victor is our boy!”

The good old man on Maragoli would carry on with the homily,” this is how people live together.”

Wnayama is a role-model and d the first Kenyan to sign for an E.P.L club. If you should see him; tell him that “his people” wish him well. Tell him to work hard.

Say these to those who look up to him; tell them about Kuka’s wisdom from the village.

Show these readings to those in the highest of places bit with the intentions to cause dis-unity.

Tell the president; his deputy and our leaders. Tell them of the unifying factor called sports. Tell them; this is why our people say; “it is not Rudisha, “rudishaing” (returning) the gold or Mugubi playing; it is the bold colors of red, black, white and green. The true colors of Kenya!”

Tell them; the people are saying this; not just in Maragoli; but in Nairobi; Makueni and in villages; schools and homelets throughout this great land; Kenya; as well.

BACKSTAGE PASS: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE- DRIFT AWAY IN KELVIN K DEBUT SINGLE…

“I want to be part of the movement changing the music scene in Kenya!”

I met Kelvin Mwangi; better known as Kelvin K at Daystar Athi River campus. I overheard him tell a pal about his new single and I got interested. Moments later; we were at the school dining hall on a table; me on the other side; asking questions and Kelvin K answering them. Oh, wait a moment; we call that an exclusive interview!

His debut single is an exceptionally fresh love record; mellow and an enjoyable listen. Unconditional love is an afro- house tune with this catchy hook and tempo one can pick up to easily; and find yourself grooving too. Guys who have listened to the tune argue it has this Liquid-Deep touch to it.

Kelvin K reckons that he started his singing career while still in high school. “I was 15; then at Mt. Kenya Academy; where I learnt vocal and piano lessons. A year later; inspiration to write my own music took over!”

The tempo and catch hook to the tune does fuse a great song- writing skills. It is simply a simple love song; a simple love story going back to that “unconditional love!”

Kelvin feels this is his year and time to shine. And with the debut of his new single featuring H.M.Z (another artist to watch out for); he ultimately is working on releasing an album mix tape dubbed “Self Realization” which to him is significant in the sense that he has realized himself as a  versatile artist.

Listening to the single “Unconditional Love”; it sure is a potential of exposing both H.M.Z and Kelvin to the international music world.

The song is produced by Alex Red; another Hip Hop artist Kelvin asks me to watch out for. It was done is a simple room studio.

So how does he balance school work and music? He admits it is hard work but he has the whole week to think about books and the weekend to do his music.

His ongoing project-“The Self Realization”; will explore many genres beyond R & B and Afro-house; to bring out the versatility of kelvin K.

Any exclusives? “Yes; I am working on my next single titled- “Good morning” which will be out soon. And I am also planning to shoot the video to “unconditional love” in August.” He adds.

Kelvin K is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the future and he is one of those artists to include in your collection.

-engage with Kelvin K via the below links…

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelvin-K/130926970275628

@Theekelvink on Twitter 

https://www.facebook.com/siralexred

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheeKelvinK

ZJ HENO PASSIONATES THE WORLD WITH PASSIONATE RIDDIM

They say that if you have the ink with you; why use your saliva? These are the actual words of Zj Heno; Homeboyz Radio deejay and also arguably one of Kenya’s best reggae deejays. He gives a back stage pass exclusively on the Passion Riddim project and a new riddim that he is currently working on.

I started the project last year October only to complete and release it may this year. It basically features artists form Jamaica and Kenya.

Top Jamaican artists like Daville, Chronixx, and Stephen McGregor …etc. n 3 Kenyan artists: Shamir, Cathy and Freeman!! I am currently working on a new Riddim called Safari riddim that will be released later towards the end of this year!

Guys can get the riddim on iTunes via this link and buy it!

I have also produced a Song for Shamir called saving the best...which is out on iTunes and the video is out too!

Please check these links. Thanks!

Passionate Riddim - https://t.co/ZAgziLi3SV

Shamir - Saving the Best - Single - http://t.co/9aRcdLQoci

Chronixx - Champion - Single - http://t.co/dzZlxrwalD

Timeka Marshall - When the Music Hits - Single - https://t.co/XoEqyTOFcV

Plus Guys can just YouTube Passionate riddim or Check my sound cloud : www.soundcloud.com/zjheno
My mix tapes: www.mixcrate.com/realzjheno
Twitter: www.twitter.com/zjheno
Facebook: Zj heno fan page

Thanks

KENYA BUZZ : Press Release- RAHA APP

Press Release

New phone app set to change the social scene at Universities in Kenya

Kenya’s biggest events and lifestyle media, Kenyabuzz, has released a new phone application that is targeted towards students who want to know about and actively participate in the rapidly growing social scene on campus and around town.

Aptly named, ‘Kenyabuzz Raha’ with the slogan ‘fun at your fingertips’, the app gives its users the ability to:

· Search events by city and area, date, or type of event including- art exhibitions, festivals/craft fairs, films, kids events, live music events, nightlife, photography, fashion, sports, theater, dance, yoga/meditation, campus events and much more.

· Check the movie listings by movie or theater for all movie theaters throughout Kenya.

· Search for restaurants by city, area, or cuisine.

· Find other fun including bars and nightclubs, sightseeing spots, spas, casinos, recreation activities and other fun and interesting places in Kenya.

There are a lot of events that happen around the country that are free and open to the public. The app can help students to identify these events and enjoy them.

Students can also contribute to the content on the app by sending their favorite restaurants, hangout spots or events to editor@kenyabuzz.com if they are not already on the app.

“This is just the first version of the app”, says the director of Kenyabuzz Alix Grubel, “it simply gives the user information. But the next version of the app will be interactive in the sense that it will allow people to check into the places, find their friends, make comments, review places, upload pictures and earn badges”.

The app, which can be downloaded free of charge by anyone with an android phone, is set to have a positive impact on the Kenyan social scene in universities where previously it was difficult to get accurate and up-to-date information on the go.

Kenyabuzz Raha is available for download from www.kenyabuzz.com/raha or from the Google play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kenyabuzz&feature=search_result

About Kenyabuzz- http://www.kenyabuzz.com/about-us/about-kenyabuzz

KenyaBuzz is the leading provider of event and lifestyle information in Kenya.

Through our various media- website, newspaper and e-newsletters, we provide the most comprehensive and accurate information about what’s happening around the country in sports, nightlife, music, theatre, movies, the arts, kids events and more.

We also provide business listings, movie reviews and updates, buy and sell information and a wide range of lifestyle information.

For more information,

Please contact:

Damaris@kenyabuzz.com

TEAM KENYA FOR DEAFLYMPICS

SUN-7^TH-JULY-2013

You know; sometimes God will take you out of your comfort-zone and let you have an experience of something new and different; that if you fail to be sensitive; you may miss the lesson. Our pal; Rachael Mutisya; invited my brother Bill and I over to her friend’s house in Roysambu to help them out.

my brother Bill walking to Joyce's place in Roysambu.

Joyce Ngugi was the host and she was throwing a bash for her lovely hubby-Jarvis; who is deaf and will be representing Kenya in the deaflympics in Bulgaria.

For us; it was a joy and pleasure to deposit into their lives and just have the experience of knowing that deaf people too; though through hands and sign language; can still communicate too!

It was a challenge communicating but those of us who knew the sign-language; would help us to pass the message (despite the ups-and-downs of understanding what we take for granted that a sign means to us who can talk or hear; is totally different to the deaf).

Even as Joyce urged us to lift her hubby in prayers due to the intense and rigorous training; I bet there might be a prayer in our hearts too today and a fresh motivation to learn sign language and engage with our precious deaf brothers and sisters.

Jarvis preparing to make a speech.

the candlelight

the crowd.

To Joyce and Jarvis Manyasi; thank you for the exposure and the new experience (and sorry Joyce for the little misunderstanding we had and for taking some stuff without asking you).

Jarvis has represented Kenya in the past on the track and soccer; but now he will use his height and doing us proud in the basketball-court. We wish you well! Team Jarvis Manyasi for the deaflympics and go team Kenya!check out the album below......

-I got a text from Joyce this morning before publishing this…thanks for attending Sunday party and for best wishes. Jarvis enters training camp today; basketball team flies to Bulgaria on July 20^th and returns august 8^th.

SPRAY FOR CHANGE HITS THE ROAD

 

Picture this; you are cruising comfortably through the streets of Nairobi or you are stuck in traffic for hours on end; then a mobile art gallery; free of charge passes by your way? Take a moment and let that sink in deeply…

Well; this is what Nairobi is now welcoming as Duracoat’s Spray for Change Peace Initiative that began as an art installation and a contest at J.K.I.A; now the show is going on the road.

Delivery trucks for Basco Paints have been commissioned as canvases for the different artists to showcase their work; creating ‘mobile art’ galleries for Kenyans to experience; think about as they sit in traffic; and also promote the talented individuals.

The first trucks were designed by renowned Kenyan graffiti artists Esen; Bankslave; Uhuru B and Wise2. The group will also be working on other pieces around the city as part of this initiative.

Spray for Change was recently featured on CNN as a project that creatively engaged Kenyans to think about peace and the future in the run-up to the elections.

-Check out-http://sprayforchange.com/gallery/