Monday, September 23, 2013

STORYMOJA HAY FESTIVAL / PLAN-B: THE MUSICAL PLAY / OKTOBERFEST / # WESTGATE MALL SIEGE RECAP



L
ast week’s Friday afternoon saw me attend this year’s International Hay Festival that was themed-“Imagine The World” (Waza Dunia).
Making its fifth edition, the fest at the Nairobi National Museum; was full of art, poetry, literature, talk forums and music.

The event saw an impressive lineup of local and international writers, artists, musicians and thinkers awe, entertain and engage with the audience.
Founded in 2008; the Storymoja Hay Festival is organized in collaboration with Storymoja and the Hay Festival UK.


















FRIDAY evening and I was at the Ukumbi Mdogo Hall at the Kenya National Theatre; where Liquid Arts Entertainment in conjunction with Rekindle Flame entertained; enlightened; and awes the crowd with their marvelous re-run of Plan-B; a musical paly.
Plan-B; hilarious and funny saw the theatre group take the fight against “Mpango wa Kando” (infidelity) on stage in a humor-filled script. The actors and actresses were impressive and they owned the stage world. The play was well choreographed; in line with the desired effects and the band too.








FROM THERE; with the heavy downpour that caused crazy snarl-up; I made my way to Ngong Road’s Impala Grounds for the annual Oktoberfest debut.
The mc for the night was Nick Mutuma; with live entertainment from Djs Kuzi; Protégé and The Arkitekt.
Friday night saw the opening acts as the battle of the rock bands went on the stage; with over 12 local rock bands rocking the stage. Towards the end; the last band to the stage almost caused a fracas over what they termed as unfairness in allocation of time limits especially for them they felt their time was cut short while n stage and that to them was an insult.
In keeping with Germany’s Oktoberfest traditions; beer aficionados had their fuss satiated as they sat under the beer tent. Friday saw the debut tapping of the keg.
The waitresses; armed with their shot’s glasses and buxom costumes of Bavaria; they pushed through the crowds and kept a steady stream of the cold shots and beer flowing from barrels; straight to the wee hours of the morning.










SATURDAY; and waking up after just a few hours of slumber; the media is on to the Westgate Mall attack. I had just gotten home from Oktoberfest and the other events; all tired and sleepy. Tension gripped Nairobi’s Westland’s area after gunmen killed and wounded scores of shoppers in Westgate Shopping Mall.



What a weekend!





NAIROBI’Z OKTOBERFEST CANCELLED:



I
t was meant to be a 3-day beer festival; kicking off Friday 20 th September. The venue: Impala Grounds, Ngong Road. Activities: cruise in zone, kid’s zone, international food court, eating competitions, “Oktoberfest Chopped” and beer games.

The opening night on Friday saw stellar performances from Victoria Kimani; battle of 12 local rock bands and DJs Kuzi, Protégé and The Arkitekt hold it down.
Saturday was themed: “Celebrity Saturday”, featuring Wyre, Sauti-sol, Victoria Kimani, Cindy (UG), Peter Miles (UG) and a special performance by DJ Spin Easy from U.S.A.













Then the Westgate Mall terror attack rocked the nation on Saturday and the Oktoberfest organizers; in solidarity, decided to cancel the Sunday Wind Down event. The Wind Down Sunday Menu included: Eric Wainaina, Kidum, Denise Gordon, Different Faces, Electrique Djs and the Beat Band Parade.


But Sunday was also meant to be an up-front “Oktoberfest Chopped”:
“Chefs, please open your baskets. From the main course you have canned peaches, arrowroot, bulgur wheat and pig’s feet. You have 30 minutes to wow the judges with a meal using these key ingredients. Your time starts…NOW!”
These are the pop-iconic words from the quirky TV host, Ted Allen, of Food Network’s “Chopped”. If you are a foodie like us, then you’re obsessed with one of the world’s best ongoing, full-contact cooking competitions: 4 chefs go head to head over rounds, under the pressure of a ticking clock.

This year’s Oktoberfest was meant to host a “chopped”-like show on the main stage, Sunday 22 September; before the event was cancelled.

Some of Nairobi’s top chefs, including Michelin-starred chef Barry tonks (Hemingways); 2012 ‘Taste Chef Of The Year’ Marcus Mitchell(Talisman); Brew Bistro Executive Chef Tim Freeman and culinary newcomer, Boma Hotel Executive chef Archie Athanasius; were meant to go head to head in Nairobi’s premier food war.

Fireworks and flambés were to light up the Oktoberfest stage as these culinary titans clashed for the title of the “Oktoberfest chopped champion”.

Our friends at UP Magazine were meant to be the media partner for the competition and UP’S very own Rand Pearson was to host the heats. Nakumatt was supplying all the great nd special ingredients for the “chopped” pantry and the kitchen smalls. Morendat Farm was to provide the premium aged lamb and beef, Nero providing Executive water and Sheffield Steel supplying all the kitchen equipment.






In such clashes; definitely no one wants to go home early and everyone wants the coveted title. Nairobi’z Blogazine hopes that we shall soon watch true gourmet gladiators at the top of their game battle is out live for guts and glory someday!

F.Y.I-#Oktoberfest is here! Only 6 days to the BIGGEST beer festival in Kenya 


Ever wondered why Oktoberfest is celebrated in September yet its called Oktoberfest? Well the festival was first started in October 12th 1810 but was later moved To September which allowed for better weather conditions. 

@OkoberfestKe brings your favourite beers and plenty more to sample and vote for #beerwars

@BrewBistroandLounge has 9 beers on tap, made with that old German discipline with a touch of modern creative flair.

Follow us on twitter:
@BrewBistroKenya
@OktoberfestKe