AMERICANAH: BLACK HAIR AND LIFE IN THE DIASPORA

When was the last time you read an African love story? Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest literary work, Americanah, explores the journey of a couple, Ifemelu and Obinze, whose love begins as young teenagers in Nigeria. Ifemelu leaves Nigeria to pursue further studies in the United States of America. The combination of distance, time and exposure to a different culture wreak havoc on her relationship. She struggles with depression and identity issues whilst studying abroad, choosing to ignore Obinze’s attempt to stay in touch. He changes too after leaving Nigeria for the U.K., working illegally and doing everything in his power not to get caught.

The themes of race, identity and hair are deeply dissected in this 477-page novel. Chimamanda documents those realities we see but shrug off or don’t even notice. For example, the African Americans joining the Black Student Union while the American Africans, for lack of a better label, join the African Student Association at university. African Americans judge Ifemelu for dating a white man, and keeping her hair natural. Nairobians had a chance to hear about the author’s feelings about hair, when Chimamanda came to Nairobi to celebrate Kwani Trust’s 10th anniversary in December 2013.

We watch as Ifemelu struggles for years to reconcile her old and new self. Between blogging, braiding her hair and stringing her smart African American boyfriend along, it becomes clear that she is very much her own woman who does not really like to face things which evoke strong emotions in her; like breaking up with boyfriends. After decades apart, countless mistakes and lessons learned between them, Ifemelu and Obinze must decide whether to try again or accept their new lives and loves. The book is long but worth spending some alone time reading.

This book teaches a lesson that love is love; whether in Lagos or London. If it’s still there even after many mistakes and after time has passed, experiencing idealistic love perfect love won’t matter, as having it will be enough.

Americanah has been published in East Africa by Kwani Trust. To purchase it locally, visit www.kwani.org

By Josephine Opar

THIS SUNDAY IS LUPITA'S BIG DAY AT THE OSCARS

The time has finally come for the much-anticipated and acclaimed 2014 edition of the Academy Awards a.k.a The Oscars. 86 years later and this globally appreciated award ceremony still recognizes and awards the greatest talent on screen.

This season’s films were nearly all phenomenal and celebrated and they’ve got everyone crossing their fingers. The black race has felt the impact and themes of many of the films; from 12 Years a Slave, A long Walk to Freedom, The Butler and Fruitvale Station (even though some were snubbed).

Let’s cut to the chase, all Kenyans and most African and Black American people are this year, especially routing for Hollywood’s latest It-Girl and breakout star, Kenyan actress and director, Lupita Nyong’o. The notoriously beautiful Luo girl who played the pretty little slave Patsey in the film: 12 Yeas a Slave, is the first actress from Kenya to be nominated for the Oscars. She will be battling the likes of Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle) and Julia Roberts (August: Osage County) for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Below are some of the big categories of the event and details to watching the Oscars live.

Best Picture

American Hustle

Captain Phillips

Dallas Buyers Club

Gravity

Her

Nebraska

Philomena

12 Years a Slave

The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Christian Bale (American Hustle)

Bruce Dern (Nebraska)

Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)

ChiwetelEjiofor (12 Years a Slave)

Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Amy Adams (American Hustle)

Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

Sandra Bullock (Gravity)

Judi Dench (Philomena)

Meryl Streep (August: Osage County)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)

Bradley Cooper (American Hustle)

Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave)

Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street)

Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine)

Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)

Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave)

Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)

June Squibb (Nebraska)

From the highlights, you can tell who we are really supporting. Watch Oscars 2014 Live on Sunday March 2nd on M-Net Movies Premiere at 4:00 a.m. local time and re run same day at 10:30 p.m. on MNet East.

Compiled by Anyiko Owoko & Ondi Madete.

NEW TV-SHOW WELCOMES YOU INTO STATEHOUSE

Ever been curious about what happens behind the exclusive State House gates? Kenyans love a good drama and what better drama exists than the details of State House affairs? Described as “distinctively Kenyan, and yet widely accessible and appealing”, State House, new local TV Show is exclusively a political drama series. Set in a fictional State House in East Africa, this intriguing series focuses on the lives, loves and scandals that face the people who work, live around the President.

It’s something worth being proud of that out that State House was selected out of 60 proposals sent by producers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa, following Zuku’s 2013 request for proposals for unique, entertaining and marketable content. Produced by award-winning Kenyan filmmakers, Wanuri Kahiu and Rebecca Chandler; the show features a stellar line-up of revered artists, including Helen Keli from the acclaimed ‘By Any means Necessary;’renowned TV and radio personality Jimmy Gathu; and Chichi Seii, a Kenyan singer, actress and dancer.

This roller coaster of drama and intrigue revolves around the new leadership following the exit of the former president, President Entere and the marked entry of a young, popular and radical new Commander-In-Chief, Kajana Mda, (Jimmy Gathu.)

State House will show on Zuku Entertainment, channel 100 every Monday 8:30 p.m., starting 3rd March. If you can’t wait and must see, you must hurry, the first three episodes can also be seen at Imax until March 1st, brought to you by Zuku and Awali Entertainment (Kenyan production house.)

http://www.upnairobi.com/dt_portfolio/new-tv-show-welcomes-you-into-state-house/

Lupita Wins Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!

Lupita Wins Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!

Published on Monday, 03 March 2014 07:17

Written by Della Mbaya

She's done it!

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o was today honoured by the Academy Awards for her riveting performance in Steve McQueen's '12 Years A Slave'.

The actress, who before the fame was best known for her turn in the series 'Shuga' has finally hit the 'jackpot' – taking home the coveted award for Best Supporting Actress.

Speaking to E!'s Ryan Seacrest while walking on the red carpet just prior to the award ceremony, she spoke about the massive success that has come her way since the release of the film:

"I feel so blessed that my first job out of school could have come with such recognition. I'm really excited to be here!" She adds: "I didn't grow up watching the Oscars so for me it was something that I really came to understand was a big deal when I was in college. My dream was to be an actor I didn't know it came with all this."

Go Lupita!

http://www.homeboyzradio.co.ke/index.php/latest-news/6153-lupita-wins-oscar-for-best-supporting-actress

THE JAHAZI CONCERT: A NIGHT OF URBAN-AFRO-SOUL

#specialfeature

FRIDAY 28^TH FEBRUARY; 2014

Lovers of urban-afro-soul came out in their large numbers on Friday night for the Jahazi Concert; that saw two great bands share the stage- Lele Ngoma and Fadhilee Bands.

The girls were dressed to impress and so were the men. As we drove into the Safaricom’s Michael Joseph Centre; that Friday evening; it seemed every lover of live-band music had answered the call.

We were ushered by great music of the Fadhilee band; warming hundreds of fans up to what was to turn out to be a great night.

The mood was electrifying too as food delicacies and drinks flowed freely. Being an end month; it seemed everyone was in the mood of ordering just one more bottle just to keep up with the tempo.

The crowd also learnt a lot on sickle cell anemia as the event organisers had partnered with Children Sickle Cell Foundation-in celebration of their 100 years of combating sickle-cell. Other partners to the event were Safaricom providing the event space and Waabeh.

As the night went by; Fadhilee band ushered in Lele Ngoma and the audience was up on their feet. The crowd danced; sang along to some of the jams and by 10pm; nobody wanted to leave.

With no time to be soaked up in the great moment; the crowd after the event took the after party leave to the nearby westlands’ club joints. What a night!

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.

SUPREMACY SOUNDS 1ST LADY: DJ MISS EBONY SELEKTA

#MUSIC

It’s a new year and the air around us is refreshing. Time to chase away the holiday blues and get an earnest start of the year; with what never fails-music. Find out what our select top djs are bopping their heads to as the year opens up.

They also tell us where they will be throwing a party; even though the holidays are over. Catch up with our all-star line up featured via upnairobi.com

Dj Ebony Selekta

Reggae/dancehall

What was the last song you listened to?

“Just one of those days” by Sizzla Kalonji

What are your 3 top tracks this month?

“Here comes trouble” by Chronixx

“Love is all I need “by Alaine

“Protect me from everybody” by Bugle

Where are you playing this month?

I play at sinbin lounge in South B every Sunday and Soulfa Lounge; Umoja every Thursday.

Dj Ebony Selekta prides herself as the number one female Reggae and Dancehall dj in east Africa and a lading light of the Supremacy Sounds stable. Follow Dj Ebony Selekta on twitter via @ebonyselekta or like her Facebook page Miss Ebony Selekta. Download her mixes on ebonyselektamiss@mixcrate.com and ww.soundcloud.com/ebonyselekta.

Check Out Victoria Kimani's Track Featuring Busta Rhymes