ANXIETY AS COMRADES EAGERLY AWAIT SONU ELECTIONS

#comradepower

“COMRADES! COMRADE POWER!” It has started again- cries of comradeship! Students Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) elections are upon us, again.

You know what that means right? Well, once in a while, the students do something to remind motorists along Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway that they run the streets. Bags are being packed just in case someone says that elections have been rigged. Tempers flare. Tension. Headache. Street battles with the police. Nobody is safe.

Probably, if you own a car, I think that it will be wise to use the public service. Why you ask? If the recent goings-on are anything to believe, then there is a major storm in the offing.

Every time a student’s kamukunji (informal meeting) being held somewhere is heard then something is up!

Bill Odunga writes for The Crazy Monday Standard Newspaper’s pullout; “dark clouds are gathering. They are heavy with rampant student strikes, incessant institutional bureaucracy and general laxity of the administration in handling student affairs.

When these clouds finally have their fill; which should be sometime next week; it will not just rain. It will pour. Torrents and hailstones. It will flood the entire university.

But not just the entire nine campuses of the Ivory Tower; but speculation and logical deduction is that the El Nino will have to drown the neighbors, too. Business premises around the school, the motor vehicles, innocent by-standers and street families will feel the wrath of these waters. Be advised.

Forget Game of Thrones, folks. This is SONU, and the storm is coming."

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.

USIU CULTURE WEEK LIVES UP TO THE BILLING

#culture week

Fashion trends; beautifully dressed women; on-point guys; delicacies; outdoor fun and activities. All these went down this week, Tuesday 11-Thursday 13 march at the United States International University (USIU) Culture Week.

Gates opened as early as 9am each day. The exhibitors’ area and sponsors pitched tent all day. Each county’s tent was an affair to outdo each other. The after affair in each tent saw music meet fashion, great food and the country’s specific culture and what it has to offer.

But Thursday night; the most anticipated climax gala night concert is what everyone else awaited for.

The glitz? Check! The glamour? It was there in abundance. Oh, the cultural performances and the stars were aplenty.

The ceremony; held in USIU was everything you could wish for to honor the university’s finest and diverse continental and international cultures.

Not even Daystar University’s Culture Week was a match. Mind you both universities were holding culture weeks on the same week. USIU culture week went viral from day 1. “Selfie moments” of the event on social media created the much-needed hype and fuss.

The night’s host; radio girl Lulu Saini and the Luo Omera Teddy Eugene were on-point. Sure Lulu had a boo-moment from the crowd; but as the night went by-she seemed to have won back the crowd’s love.

Performances by Michezo Africa; GBS crew and the acrobats only spiced up the curtain raiser. On the decks; DJ No-ID of USIU 99.9FM and Joe Mfalme kept the turbo charged crowd on their feet all night.

And when Professor Buyu took the stage; he had a few words; “I declare culture week officially opened!” the same sentiments were shared by Mr Apidi; representing Coca-Cola who were also sponsors of the event, “let the happiness continue!”

The judges panel had Mr. Charles Mwakio, professor Scott, Mrs. Waturi and Mr Earnest- the panel given the task and mandate to officially declare the best cultural performance fort the night.

The performances were amazing but even so; the night had its fair share of surprises. The rain not to mention came pouring hard but that only saw the crowd get even more excited awaiting the winners. Both Tanzania’s and Nigeria’s performances were well choreographed; high energy, bright and colorful.

The Nigerians did not disappoint either as they flashed out their notes on stage in what seemed like a scene from a movie; as the crowd pushed forward to try and pick up the notes that were being flashed on stage.

Nigerians too dominated in the awards. India bagged the Best Exhibition award for the week. With 144 points; 10 points less than the 1^st runners up; the 2^nd runners up award for the night went to a surprise and off-rated Rwanda who were also shocked to receive the award.

Tanzania surprised, taking the 2^nd runners up position and leaving two giants; Kenya and Nigeria to battle for the number one. Well; Nigeria held the bragging rights for the night as they were declared the overall winners for the night after their spectacular performance that left the crowd yearning for me and bowing to their performance shouting-“igwee! Igwee! Igwee!”

On Nigeria’s performance; the judges had this to say-“their originality scared us! Their performance: made us forget we were even judging! They had a fantastic performance and coordination.”

Taking the trophy award; the Nigerians gave the crowd a taste of their “skelewu dance” as they celebrated.

The event’s sponsors; Kenya Buzz, CBA Bank, BuyMore Kenya, Coca-Cola and the many others did a fantastic job and mad the event even more memorable.

For the fashion enthusiasts; the night was all colorful. Somalia bagged the best dressed male award; taking it from Nigeria who won last year; while Kenya Maasai lady bagged the best female dressed for the night.

So, to the organizing committee; Sonia, Nabil, T.J, Shazaan, Natasha, Fionah and Nalia; you are definitely on the right track and you have everyone’s attention now. You can fail only if you want to.

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.

Check out the pictures here-https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.611687435575298.1073741925.440804702663573&type=3

BEHIND THE SCENES: MAKING THE VIDEO “KANI” BY AMBASSADA FT. DR OFWENEKE

#behind the scenes

This video is an amazing contrast of two artistes; with the video set in a church and in an open space. Gospel singer Ambassada features Dr. Ofweneke in a hard-hitting song. The video is witty and the lyrics centered on the present church losing its place in the society as the moral overseer. This is a must watch!

KONSHENS JETS INTO NAIROBI READY TO PERFORM

Guinness is hosting the party of the year in Nairobi. Featuring performances by Jamaican superstar Konshens, Kris Darlin, Wyre, Habida, Jua Cali, Ken Wa Maria, DJ Joe Mflame and more. Garfield Spenc aka Konshens, is a Jamaican dancehall stara ladies favorite and the envy of many guys with hit songs such as Pull Up to mi Bumper, Walk And Wine, Bounce. The event, slated for KICC, will kick off a nationwide campaign for the beer brand. Entry is KES 500 starting from 7:00 p.m.

For more info, visit the Guinness Facebook page.

#GuinnessEvolution Konshens Arrival

Yesterday ·  · Taken at JKIA International Airport Nairobi

We talk, whine and run tings. Konshens arrives to mash up K.I.C.C this Saturday. Do you have your tickets? #GuinnessEvolution

THIS APRIL- THE UPSTAIRS PARKING GARAGE SESSIONS

UP’s 2014 first UPstairs event will finally be happening next week (Wednesday 16thApril) at Aqua Blue Club & Lounge Bar’s Parking Lot. The event’s new venue at the heart of Westlands is secure and easy-to-locate. Starting 7:00 p.m. the venue will be open to have you arrive and here’s the best part, there’s a lot in store for you.

Singers Vereso, Fena and the unique girl group: KIU, will be headlining acts at UPstairs. The event is a partnership with Penya Africa and online music sales platform, Mdundo. You will also be able to download the recorded versions of live performances from the concert as soon as they end. That’s a first and we are very glad to be the first in pioneering this technology at our event.

So why exactly shouldn’t you miss UPstairs? The main reason is our carefully selected list of artists with the help of Penya Africa. They all represent sprouting urban music in Nairobi and deliver stellar live performances with a touch of authenticity. Vereso says, “They should expect Vereso lyrics challenging their spiritual walk, interesting melodies, a lot of movement, awesome band. They should expect Naked Music.” Fena on the other hand has been releasing hit after hit. What’s amazing about her eclectic approach is that her live performances are very soulful. She says, “I like recording my music but I really enjoy performing live acts because it’s interactive. You see the audience’s reaction to the music and it’s more personal than recorded music.” As to why she feels you can’t miss her performance at Upstairs: “Having fun and enjoy the music.”

Nairobi Nights have become vibrant and holding UPstairs on a Wednesday night guarantees you a special day of the week for an unforgettable experience.  Pauline, Rosa and Tray make KIU, Kenya’s latest girl group. What we love about them is their determination to make it in this city. In fact, their debut single was called “The City”. They say that their music is a fusion of sounds. “We draw a lot of inspiration from different artists in different genres; as a result our music is also a blend of sounds. From upbeat afro pop, powerful rhythmic blues and smooth soulful R&B to a spruce of well textured melodic Indie. Our music is characterized by silky harmonies, soft-but strong vocals and always a touch of our African roots. Being new to the industry we acknowledge that we have a long way to go. We therefore take every opportunity to perform as a blessing. Performing at UPstairs is an opportunity to reach a different crowd, a fresh set of people and hopefully create a name for ourselves and push ourselves a step further. We are always excited for such events.”

There you have it! Don’t miss UPstairs this coming week. Expect a cool ambiance with tomato crates as book shelves and mabatis for partitions, among UP’s usual cool factor.

Tickets will be KES 500 and will be available for sale at the gate.

By Anyiko Owoko-http://www.upnairobi.com/dt_portfolio/the-upstairs-parking-garage-sessions-this-april/

UP LAUNCHING BEST MOBILE FILM AWARD AT PAWA 254

UP Magazine, in partnership with the Kenya Film Commission and Jameson introduce a new and exciting category at the 5th season of the Kalasha Film and Television Awards, the Best Mobile Film Award. The Award appeals to all creative documentary filmmakers who can tell a captivating story using their mobile phone. The Launch, happening this Friday April 11th from 6.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. will be a fantastic chance for participants, film buffs and members of the film industry to discuss tricks of the trade, to learn more on the competition and how to submit their videos.

The venue is Pawa 254 at the 2nd Floor, Africa Alliance of YMCAs Building, State House CRE.

More about the competition

The theme for the Best Mobile Film Award category is ‘Nairobi in Motion’. We are looking for stories that captivate and inspire. Are there people in your daily interactions whose story captivates you? What imagery do you see in your daily life that demonstrates the idea of ‘Nairobi in Motion’? What about Nairobi moves you, personally? The answers to one or more of these questions represent some of the ideas we are looking for. We are looking for stories where the mobile phone can help you enter a world that wouldn’t be as accessible with a full professional camera crew. This can be a portrait of a citizen of Nairobi that is fascinating—be it the matatu driver, the CEO, the local mama mboga at the market, a U.N. aid worker, a bartender or the next inventor of the next Facebook; even Nairobi itself can be the lead character in your story. It can also be a glimpse into a culture, an event, place or a person that is not often portrayed in the mainstream media.

Submissions open until 24th April. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony on June 28th. Email kalasha2014@filmingkenya.com

By Amal Mohamed-http://www.upnairobi.com/dt_portfolio/up-launching-best-mobile-film-award-at-pawa-254/

GOSPEL ARTISTE PETER "KABZ" KABERERE DIES IN A FREAK ACCIDENT

Kenya’s gospel fraternity is mourning the loss of Peter Kaberere ‘Kabz,’ a renowned gospel artist and head of logistics at Mo Sounds Limited family. Peter also hosted the Groove Awards, Kenya’s annual gospel awards. According to reports, the talented singer and former member of the Zaidi Ya Mziki (JoggC), was electrocuted while at a car wash, due to a faulty wire, on Sunday afternoon. Kabz who is famous for ‘Natamani’ with Eunice Njeri, ‘Just A Way’ with Mr Vee and recently ‘Mwanake’ with Benachi, was one of the pioneers transforming Kenyan urban gospel music to what it is today.

His fans and friends poured messages of condolences to his family via social media. He leaves behind a son and a wife who is expecting their second child. She posted on Facebook, “To God be the Glory! Be encouraged, Peter Kaberere lived a full and large life and is now with the angel. His work has been completed here on earth. Those who were touched by his music, you were touched by God. Those that do not know God this is the time.”

Groove Awards posted on their official Facebook page stating: “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that our brother ‘Kabz’ Antony Peter Kaberere has gone home to be with the Lord. Gone too soon. Pray for his family.” Joining the mourners, Ken Mijungu, NTV senior reporter and anchor had this to say, “I empathize with Njesh and her son, plus a baby Peter may have just seen on scan. God rest his soul. I am reminded that the Vineyard Owner only picks ripe fruits.”

Watch his latest hit video – Just a way by Kaberere & Mr Vee below

By Ondi Madete-http://www.upnairobi.com/dt_portfolio/gospel-artist-peter-kabz-kaberere-dies-in-a-freak-accident/