BRILLIANCE AT DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY’S TRIPPLE B AWARDS

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO

Saturday 13^th April 2013 is a day that had been long awaited by Daystarians. If for a moment you thought-or at least hoped the chilly morning showers would ruin the day; the Daystar Tripple B awards-Brilliance, Brains and Beauty went down at the Pride Inn Centre in Westlands Nairobi.

After days that turned into weeks of waiting due to the set dates being postponed; by Friday; getting a ticket for the event was overwhelmingly a crazy expedition after they had sold out the previous Thursday evening.

Days prior to the event; and hours prior too; social media pages were abuzz and the ultimate pre-link up joints as students psyched each other up. The event organizers; Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) used the social media to psyche up the students and assure them the success of the event. DUSA did manage to team up with DSTV Kenya and other partners in support of the event.

5pm; an hour to the communicated departure time from Valley Road campus; Arsenal fans thronged the TV-lounge to watch the Gunners gun down Norwich City. A tweet from a Daystarian read: “a win for Arsenal. Next win @ Tripple B Awards. Mr. and Miss Daystar LEGOOOOO!!!!”

6PM; we were at the parking lot ready to board the buses to Westlands. Suddenly; the ever raving Westlands was overwhelmed with Daystarians. The cold weather did not dictate the dress code; ladies showed up all sassy in dinner dresses; short sleeveless skirts; sleeveless tops; power stilettos and matching heels, regardless of the occasional showers that hit the grounds. Talk about freeze and feverish!

The on-standby photographers had difficult Kodak moment times as the lush Pride Centre was turned into a fashion Central- forget Milan Fashion Week! The gents opted more for the royal white and black suits; matching ties or bow ties; tuxedoes; colorful blazers and what every guy in Nairobi is into- color blocking. And, well; the color blocking theme being alive amongst us; many guys rocked it. It was one event where the denims; the hues; the All-stars were put aside.

“Daystar needs more of this!” exclaimed an excited Daystarian dude as he hustled into the jam packed event, “That is a good one! Nyemelearing all the way!” he exclaimed as scantily dressed ladies made their way into the event arena. Even with such comments we had some who saw no need to make to the event. Michelle; an upcoming model and student at Daystar notes, “such events are just the one opportunity we Daystar ladies have to showcase what the good Lord has given us by scantily dressing. To me the events miss their worth and they are just a popularity contest-kama ndrama Kama vindeo!”

Whether her argument is true or not is something we might never know without a detail research but the sheer brilliance was palpable as guys mingled before the buffet dinner was served. The tables were themed red and black lushed with romantic red rose petals. Mr. and Miss Daystar for a long period of time had been on probation and totally banned once due to inappropriate behavior that went against the Christian virtues that govern the university. Heeding to these words; the DUSA executive members did note that they wanted to give Daystar an event that will build confidence among the administration and increase a trust to freely hold such events.

The Tripple B awards; in line with the name- Beauty; Brains and Brilliance; celebrated the best outsourced companies; the best student oriented clubs; student servant leaders and lecturers as voted by the students. The most awaited among the entrée for the night perhaps was the Beauty part- the Mr. and Miss Daystar.

Contestants for the runway pageant had time on the runway to show case various themes in the different categories: dinner/couples; African wear and creative segments.

Family; friends and comrades alike thronged the event arena with their loud vuvuzelas and whistles rooting for their favorite contestants as they made their way on the runway.

The well-laid out venue; with gigantic screens on the sides offered a variety of entertainment. The emcees for the night were Chitto from Zambia and Nyawira from Kenya; both students. They hyped the crowd even as Homeboyz radio Dj Touch was busy setting up the decks. The event was graced by veteran gospel artistes Mr. Tee and the Wernono Family.

The night’s cuisine; prepared by the Pride Inn hotels; featured a delightful “foodie” aficionado adventure; competing with the fresh laid desserts and assorted salads.

Everything was in full gear as the finest contestants; 8 dudes and 8 chics; prepped themselves for the grueling finals.

Some felt the script was well written even before the event; if the rants; raves cheers and screams hurled at different contestants; were anything to go by.

But they were in for a rude awakening when Samuel Mariga; popularly known as K-SAM and Eva Wagari were crowned Mr. and Miss Daystar Nairobi campus.

The event had its up and downs according to the views of the crowd in attendance. Booze was not allowed and so was secular music; which to many students it did not alter well.

The contestants too had their moments of embarrassment during the Question and Answer segment; especially on general knowledge; current events and what goes on around Daystar. Their argument: ‘these were not the questions we were asked to prepare on!”

The crowd too felt the contestants did not impress especially on the creative segment. Guys got bored half way through and started making noise in small groups especially towards the end of the event.

Giving credit where it is deserved; the security detail was on top. The venue selected was nothing short of dope. The ambiance and lighting were just glamorous. The organizers despite offering free transportation to and from; many people failed to capitalize on it. This ended up interfering with the schedule as the event was meant to begin at 7pm and end at 10 pm but it went past 2a.m in the morning. The sponsors of the event were great offering goodies to the students and just supporting the whole event.

All in all; with room for improvement; and with no drama reported; it was definitely a glamorous event and justifiably the best event in the Daystar calendar.

After 2a.m; those who could not make it home opted to dance the night away in a party filled galore of wetlands vicinity.

John Magati JR on Facebook shares some of the photos below...

-I dedicate this piece to my friend; brother and colleague Calvin Ober who was attacked by armed men along Moi Avenue as he and his friend drove to the event. Wish you a quick recovery bro!

more photos are here-http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.464525313624845.1073741833.440804702663573&type=3

Rwanda unwrapped: the country of 1,000 hills

Mention Rwanda and in spite of its size; the world still associates the country with the
genocide of 1994-even today, more than a decade later.

For some reason, I fell in love with this country after watching a CNN documentary on
her mountain gorillas. It is one of those countries in my bucket list I intend to pay a visit
someday.( a bucket list in case you have no idea is list of stuff a man comes up with
that he intends to accomplish before his time is up)

But Ms. Hettie Human; a writer with African Woman magazine took a road trip to
Rwanda and I got a chance to read her epic piece plus 10 things to do while in Rwanda.

1. Buy a basket: tiny, tightly woven baskets with lids are gorgeous.
2. Count the birds: of all the birds found in Africa, one third (almost 700 species0 are

found here.
3. Glimpse a gorilla: half of the world’s mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes N.

Park.
4. Try the coffee: among the best in the world!
5. Remember the genocide: visit one of the memorials.
6. Hike in Virgin Forest: Nyungwe National Park is the largest mountainous forest
east and central Africa.
7. Say hi to hippos: and to many other animals in Akagera N. Park.
8. Visit the beach: Lake Kivu is the place for swimming.
9. Climb a volcano: Rwanda’s volcanoes are truly beautiful.
10. Don’t miss the Intores: these world famous dancers combine agility; strength and
art.


-Rwanda’s pride: trekking gorillas at Volcanoes National Park involves a hike through
bamboo forests; up to the slopes of an extinct volcano. The park houses 5 groups of up
to 30 habituated gorillas and these magnificent creatures are considered to be one of
Rwanda’s assets and best kept secret.

WHERE TO WINE AND DINE IN NAIROBI

COAST DISHES RESTAURANT; A UNIQUE COASTAL EXPERIENCE

Tucked downtown Nairobi along River Road lies a gem that offers a unique coastal experience in the city under the sun.

The restaurant prides itself in the preparation of Swahili cuisine. Mombasa is a coastal town rich in Swahili and Arab culture.

Mombasa dishes has become a famous destination especially a great lunch time destination; with Fridays being a full-house due to the great number of Muslim faithfuls who frequent the place after their prayers.

Apart from local people; tourists visiting the country and who desire a taste of the coast without visiting it are quite enthusiastic about enjoying the restaurant’s famous pilau and beef stew experience. As far as Kenya’s coastal cuisine is concerned you need to make a date with Mombasa dishes.

MERCURY LOUNGE: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

This amazing gateway located off the busy Nairobi c.b.d lies along Ngong Road at the Junction Mall.

The ambiance is equally enthralling themed with heavy woodwork furniture and fabric that beautifully match the restaurant’s color themes.

The walls are pinned up with posters of great sporting legends who complement the décor. The open clear windows enhance the outdoor experience as one can catch a glimpse of the mall from a higher view.

The lounge like seats provides a cozy setting for that quiet tete a –tete.

And as their motto goes; “the best of both worlds”, you can sample another of their gem- Mercury Lounge, located at ABC Place, Westlands.

For all long-time fans of mercury, delectable dishes, fresh food, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and familiar favorites still hold court on the menu.

-+254 (0) 722-309 947 & +254 (0) 720-808 185

-www.mercurylounge.co.ke.

AMAICA RESTURANT: A UNIQUE KENYAN CUISINE DESTINATION

If you are a “foodie” and appreciate the different authentic Kenyan meals from the different tribes, then Amaica is the best place for you.

This fine dining scene; off Peponi Road, in Westlands, Nairobi overlooks the serene Karura forest, tucked away from the busy hustles and bustles of Nairobi’s c.b.d.

Amaica, which is a Luhya word that refers to the traditional cooking area or the traditional kitchen, prides itself in preparation of traditional African cuisine not only from Kenya but from all over Africa.

The furniture, theme and décor at Amaica complement the clay pots prominent decorative feature. The lounge and dining areas combined with the hand-painted beads; add unique details to the furniture, linen and fittings. What’s more, the potted plants are alive and enhance the outdoor experience.

The place fills a gigantic gap in the market with locally-sourced produce. This hidden gem is providing a healthy alternative due to the numerous advantages of healthy lifestyles. Parents it is time to get the kids out and let them enjoy our traditional foods. Many people are indeed shifting from eating fast foods to appreciating authentic mother-nature meals.

One thing though; with a gem; it attracts many suitors and Amaica being one, tourists visiting he country are quite thrilled about enjoying the “Kenyan experience” as far as Kenya’s cuisine is concerned.

-info@amaica.co.ke

-amaica@wescom.co.ke

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-          <!--[endif]-->020-520 2200 & 0724-477 663