International African Festival Tübingen, Germany 2013 Be part of 100.000 visitors at the largest Extravanganza !

African Pilgrimage to Tübingen, Germany 2013 – outdoor & Entry Free

International African Festival Tübingen proudly announces its 2013 season today, bringing together world class African lifestyle, music, food, exciting newcomers to the international stage from 8- 11 august 2013 – African Village (Festplatz) Open-air –Down town Tübingen, Germany.

It is the fastest and largest growing Diaspora cultural event transforming the city of Tübingen in south of Germany into a pilgrim city, bringing African Diaspora worldwide irrespective of country of origin, gender and religious background , friends and well wishers of Africa together .

Enie-Muyang-Tatah-founder and CEO

More than 100.000 visitors are expected to attend International African Festival Tübingen 2013.

This event promises a multi-dimensional exploration of interplay of authentic African culture and lifestyle -150 artists –live- featuring fresh sounds and voices –Ngoma Africa Band, Soweto Entsha, Wamali percussions, street arts, workshops and culinary expression.

The Festival once again invites artist and audiences of all ages to experience African music, arts, culture and party, a mélange between traditional and modern Africa, bringing African hip-hop, Bongo Dansi,Kwaito,Afro-Pop,soukouss and African movies on the international stage.

Festival highlights will include- a grandiose opening ceremony lead by African children & youths, celebrities, African ambassadors rep. in Germany under the chairman ship of the Ghana Ambassador, program for families, panel discussion and late night events - the biggest African party in Germany, Stuttgart on Saturday night –form 22 o’clock featuring celebrities and Sunday will be special day for family – special church and Gospel day and closing ceremony

Visual art is at the focus on our Festival and this year the African royal ballet is visiting all the way from Mali featuring Djiby & Basy Kouyate, dance styles and moves to support and build schools in Mali,   Christoffel-Blindemissionproject helping the blind to see in Africa, bongob trust and many more. 

Stay updated on www.afrikafestival.net, follow and like us on facebook

For more details you may  please contact:

Madam Enie Muyang Tatah,CEO and Founder / Call +49-15210610374 /Email:kontakt@afrikafestival.net

-http://www.facebook.com/AfricactivFestival

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.

TALKING ABOUT SEX TO OUR CHILDREN

TALKING ABOUT SEX TO OUR CHILDREN

My dad I guess is a real African man who believed that the only opportune time to spend “quality moments” with his son back when I was growing up was only when warming his bottom in the name of discipline.

As I grew up, our paths rarely met. I thus learnt little about sex from him. The first time I heard my dad talk about sex was in my late teen hood, warning me about AIDS and from the look of things that was the hardest talk he has ever had with me.

A concerned mum wrote to Valentine Njoroge of the Nairobi Star: “I have a 10-yara-old son and would like to have a talk with him on sex. Please give me ideas of how to tackle this subject. The younger one is 8-years-old. Can I have the talk with both of them?”

Today, I stand to share with you some insights from Valentine that I feel are profound especially to parents who find themselves in such a dilemma. They are profound especially when handling this sensitive topic.

First of all; there is no such thing as “the talk”. You will talk to your children about sex throughout their development and perhaps well into their adulthood. The first step is to not ignore the subject.

If you ignore this, your kids will look at other avenues that are probably not safe or have wrong information for their age at a certain particular stage of development.

Start by answering their questions. By now I bet they have wondered about their different body parts with the opposite sex. They will need to know why mummy has breasts and daddy does not-explain why. Go ahead and tell them the body parts correct names also.

Have they come home and asked you what sex is? Why does daddy and mummy kiss? The key is to be totally frank, honest and open; so that they keep coming back to you as a trusted source of information- their little “Google”. Growing up, my brother and I were told kissing is “tabia mbaya” (bad manners) and that was final. We were never told why people who were married or are in love do it. You don’t want such a scenario with your children.

The reason I say that it is not one conversation; is because sex entails so much more that intercourse. There are body parts that will grow; breaking voices; pubic hair; creating a healthy body image.

Your 10-year-old may be having wet dreams; so perhaps you should teach him that he is normal and that it is a natural passage. Also go ahead and teach him to wash his sheets so other people in the house do not have to know about his dreams.

What are their peers up to? Are they kissing? Are they touching each other under desks in class? Find out and address that.

Promiscuity; porn; treatment of women; homosexuality; personal hygiene… Your kids will ask you questions and sometimes; being human and not God, you won’t have all the answers.

Do not lie, you want them to trust you, so promise them that you will do the research and get back to them.

As long as they understand dad/mum is trustworthy, mum/dad values our questions and mum/dad is available, you will be their first sounding board and THAT in itself is priceless.

Finally, Valentine Njoroge advices; “please look at the star website (www.the-star.co.ke); for the series I wrote with psychologist Pascal Mwita titled “Kids and Sex”. It is a basic guide on what to tell your kids at different development stages.”( http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-4981/children-and-sex-part-4)

Granted our kids are setting very high bars for our lifestyle; we can no longer afford to shout out our orders. Our temper must be kept under wraps. Our voice will have to be subdued because our children need a role model. Kindly, let us vow to be one in the making!

-catch Valentine Njoroge handling your questions on The Star newspaper every Friday. Go ahead and email her with your questions at valentinenjoroge@gmail.com.

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

RAILA ODINGA’S SPEECH DEPICTED A TRUE STATESMAN

Great men and women, today I stand before you not only as a patriotic Kenyan. I come to you as your son. I come to you with great humility.

I am not here to represent Honorable Raila Omollo Odinga; despite having voted for him without any regrets. “Jakom’s” actions speak louder than my words ever would.

I am here to pay tribute to Mr. Raila Odinga. Whether his speech was written for him or not; it depicted the very principles democracy was built upon.

After the Supreme Court’s verdict, your nemesis’ supporters mocked you; that you would go ahead to call a mass action and plunge this country into horror. But time proved you wise just as your name- “Jakom”.

Instead; against all odds; you chose to uphold integrity; duty; honor and peace.

Mr. Odinga; you gave this country hope- hope that great president to be; a happy warrior and probably the best vice president anyone can ask for; Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka; and the entire army behind you; have not been wasted to the pages of history. That your courage; all of you; bonds us together.

As a nation, we are made stronger by your action to trust the fairness of our judicial system; and that your choice sir; today reflects your bravery despite the verdict’s outcome.

Despite how moving; how eloquent or even how passionate this piece is; it doesn’t change the fact that those who think, “We lost” are deeply hurting; a majority of whom are your supporters Mr. Odinga.

Some; I bet will ponder over your speech and the fact that you accepted the court’s ruling and verdict as a cryptic talk. But I know that time will once again prove you wise “Jakom.”

Time will prove you wise countless centuries down line; when the word will be spread all over that bold “Jakom” and his team; so far away from “victory”; laid down their political pride; not just for theory selfish gains and interests; but for all Kenya, and the wonderful promise this country holds.

The Son of Oracles; with his pen and script has spoken. I now sit to watch from a far; now, here standing on this rugged patch of our called “democracy.”

As we usher a future brighter that anything we can imagine; I give thanks to Mr. Raila Odinga and his brave team.

I am not bitter anymore because I know it is a win-win situation for Kenya. And if destiny brings us together in some distance place in the future; I will boldly look at you sir and say like a true Spartan soldier to his king:

“It’s an honor to have fought at your side.”

And probably I will hear you command boldly:

“It was all an honor for me to have lived at yours and lead you.”

-by Embukane Vincent Libosso; communication student, Daystar University Nairobi.

this story appeared on The Standard newspaper Kenya on Friday 5th April 2013

PARIS SET TO BE RE-LIVED IN KENYA

DATE: FRIDAY , APRIL 19^TH, 2013

TIME: 7PM UNTIL 12 AM

VENUE: METRO CLUB OPPOSITE  LIFESTYLE

DAMAGES: V.I.P-KES 800; REGULAR-KES 500

The Kenyan fashion industry has certainly had its ebb and flow. However, it still remains vibrant with positive strides being made. We have definitely seen our fashion industry growing in Kenya. But this time around, Top Class Kenya Models and Brads Fashion brings you a sensational taste and a fashion central; unique on its own way.

This well organized ON THE WAY TO PARIS FASHION promises to transform the Galileo Lounge Lifestyle ambiance into a road down memory lane- a reminder of the Milan Fashion Week.

Yes, we have a feeling for it now. Can you smell it from a distance? Imagine it and figure out Paris City- the True city and home of fashion. Present will be different sexy and beautiful models to showcase amazing designers’ clothes on the runway with humble mixes of theme songs. A section of the designers confirmed have promised to present conceptual creations that will be both daring and whimsical.

Come and grace this re-carpet event. Among invited guests include media and sport personalities; celebrities and some of our very own local leaders.

The night promises a best kept secret which you can’t afford to miss. An international organizer guru will be gracing this event. Truly, it is a fashion night you definitely can’t afford to miss out, if you are a real lover of fashion.

Make a date and don’t be late! Tag a friend along!

For more info-http://www.facebook.com/events/445976988814844/

WHY YOU NEED TO PEN THAT WILL

WHY YOU NEED TO PEN THAT WILL

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO; FOR KENYA KIDZ.

a family out on a fun day.

“Where there is a ‘will’; there’s a way!” I hesitate on the point of a “will”. I practically believe the above saying. It is more of a reminder to all of us out there who have any means to instantly pen a will which will ease, not end up worsening the grief of loved ones upon our demise.

I know we are African but I believe it is a good idea to discuss death and old age openly with your nearest and dearest beloved. The African society has for years shunned this but none of us knows exactly when the Grim Reaper will make his appearance.

I once read somewhere: “when the angel of death comes to the garden; he picks fresh roses, the rest are given more water, soil refreshed for them to renew themselves.” probably that renewal and reality is that we live “in the valley of the shadow of death” but none of us wants to think about old age or death.

My research led me to an archived piece Ms. Betty Caplan did for the Nairobi Star newspaper last year and she notes that: “the apportioning of a person’s estate is important. Material life has always been part of African tradition. With you not penning the will; just at the moment when members of your family most need each other’s support and love, they end up divided and alone in their grief.”(betty.caplan1@gmail.com)

The Kirima family hit the media after there was no will to determine the way for the family to share the multi-billion estate the old man left when he passed on. Mr. Robert Mbugua, a former banker and financial guru based in Nairobi Kenya (Robert.mbugua@tciglobalgroup.com) outlines the importance of a will:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->v  <!--[endif]-->A will creates certainty and avoids and secrets. You don’t want people rising up to claim your property after your death. This in turn will ensure ultimately that your family is not involved in any conflicts especially during the hard days of mourning.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->v  <!--[endif]-->A will ensures there is a preservation of assets. Over the years you may have gone into joint business ventures with your friends and at times you may forget. These ventures may lead to accumulation of assets and without a will in place; your family may lack the benefits.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->v  <!--[endif]-->Your business partners may go behind your back and play you if there is no will defining your assets in the venture. If this happens, it may live your family devastated and side tracked.

So I challenge you if you have not penned that will. I think it is a high time you sat down and considered doing it.

FIND THIS STORY ONLINE AT-http://kenyakidz.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=791:penning-down-that-will-for-your-kids-sake&catid=17:health&Itemid=232