Monday, March 3, 2014

UPNAIROBI.COM REVIEW ON INTERNATIONAL SAFARICOM'S JAZZ FESTIVAL


Last Sunday (Feb 23rd) afternoon saw the making of history as the face of Jazz in Kenya was forever changed into something a bit more recognizable, a bit more relatable. Before the main act at the fest, Cameroonian US-based singer: Richard Bona electrified the crowd, with his easy charms and massive band, heads were already nodding and feet tapping on the magnificently set up stage, thanks to The Rhythm Junks from Belgium.
The Nile Project from-you guessed it- represented countries along the Nile. Yuval Cohen from Israel also performed. Kenya’s own Kavutha and Jacob Asiyo – performed together. Aaron “Crucial Keys” Rimbui; Chris Bittok and Eddie Grey, arguably Kenya’s biggest name in the jazz scene, were also in attendance.
The Nile Project, an initiative with a mission to inspire, educate, and empower Nile citizens,went first with a set that felt too short; some members from the project were beautiful women and talented musicians from Rwanda, Ethiopia and Egypt. Rhythm Junks from Belgium braved the stage next with an enthusiasm and rhythm that was hard to match playing some electrifying jazz fusion that astonished the audience with its energy and funk.
Our very own Jacob Asiyo and his dynamic trio played with the celebrated Yuval Cohen who lulled the crowd with scintillating jazz from the holy land. Jacob continued entertaining the crowd with his trio joined later by his talented wife Kavutha, leaving the crowd swooning, cheering and proud. Eddie Grey, Aaron “Crucial Keys” Rimbui and Chris Bittok’s performances brought out the best of Kenyan jazz with trumpet sections that took our breath away, saxophone solos that stunned and amazed, and interpretations of standards that every single person in the event will appreciate for the rest of their life.

When Richard Bona’s band started setting up, shukas were abandoned; belongings were moved as a crowd of anticipating people formed at the front of the stage. He walked onto the stage and the crowd went wild. No introductions were necessary as they launched into two fast paced, leg raising, head banging hits to the loud and expressive applause. The crowd was wild. As the set continued, Bona made every woman fall in love with him, and left every man in awe of such easy power as he massacred every song. Making the heavy and complicated music look like child’s play, Bona seemed a happy man while on stage. The crowd could be heard laughing from the main road, as he mentioned how good the fish from Mama Oliech is; or how Kenyan Ugali makes one sleepy. He was surprised at how well Kenyans knew his music, entreating him to play old hits and new hits which he kindly obliged. A professional and a gentleman, Bona left the stage to the insistent shouts of “We want More! HakiYetu! He was everything Kenyans and revelers at the Jazz Fest hoped for, and more. We have not had enough and look forward to next time.We hope he meant it when he said he would move to Kenya because Kenya loves him.









WYRE THE LOVECHILD NOMINATED AT WORLD MUSIC AWARDS-

With a musical career spanning for more than a decade, Kevin Wyre a.k.a the Lovechild is no stranger to the Kenyan music industry. His recent video and single “No More” recently released courtesy of Lovechild records and Waggyras Records hasn’t been the only thing to celebrate. He’s also been nominated at the World Music Awards in the categories: Best Entertainer, Best Male and Best Live Act. This comes after his globally celebrated collabo with Elayne “Nakuoenda Pia”.
The new song “No More” has equally gripped Kenyan airwaves. The video is impressive and expressive in exploring the theme of love; its complexities, and resulting heart break. The story follows the ache of being cheated on that everyone with a broken heart relates to. As he hits the international stage, UP congratulate Wyre on his well-earned nominations. He faces fierce competition against more than 150 male artists from around the world. They include Femi Kuti, 2face Idiba, Chris Brown and Babyface.
The road will not be easy but with Kenya’s support and his talent anything is possible. Vote for Wyre below:


STORY BY WWW.UPNAIROBI.COM

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!

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

#specialfeature



FRIDAY 28TH 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.