::Kenya Christian::

MTV’s Shuga: A Sweet Solution?

2009-12-09T15:13:00.000+03:00

As a part of their Staying Alive initiative, MTV now bring the drama series Shuga which is under MTV Ignite. MTV Ignite is a campaign in Kenya, Ukraine & Trinidad & Tobago which aims at creating awareness amongst youth on HIV/AIDS and changing their sexual behavior. The Shuga series is one of the TV programmes to launch the campaign and is aimed at the Kenyan youth market.

Set in modern-day Nairobi, Shuga follows the lives of a group of young Kenyans Skola (David Omwange), Ty (Pepe Haze), Ayira (Luipta Nyong’o), Sindi (Valerie Kimani), Violet (Sharon Olago), Virginia (Eva Kanyang’onda), Leo (Nicholas Mutuma) & Kennedy (Anthony Mwangi.) As it is a show specifically aimed at HIV/AIDs awareness, it mainly focuses on these young Kenyans’ sexual lives as they interact with each other.

Ayira is a beautiful and ambitious lady who wants to make it in the world give take her struggling mum and sister a good life. To achieve this she ends up getting intimately involved with Felix (Tumisho Masha) and she gets hired to his Maverick ad agency. The irresistible screen presence of Ayira and convincing acting from Felix make the pair the standouts of Shuga. There is an intense scene between them in Felix’s office after Ayira suspects he hasn’t told her everything about his past. As Ayira threatens to quit Felix arrogantly declares “No one quits Maverick!” and Ayira’s reply “I’ll take my chances.” That’s not to say they are the only good actors, most of the actors deliver strong performances and Shuga has discovered new acting talents. Valerie Kimani who has been in Tusker Project Fame 1 and is currently impressing crowds with the Mo Faya musical is on her way to becoming a household name. In Shuga she plays a Sindo, a virgin who disapproves of her friends’ careless lifestyles. Due to her auntie’s death from AIDS she carries around condoms in her handbag to distribute to people.

Shuga although targeted to Kenyan youth, mostly features the lives of middle to upper class Nairobi youth. Take Ty who drives around in a 6-4(American 60s car) and Skola who owns the latest BMW, average Kenyan youth I don’t think so. Due to the fact that it is about youth sexuality and HIV/AIDs Shuga features quite a number of intimate scenes, some quite heavy with a lot of lip-locking. This sometimes goes overboard though with Leo and Virginia who have just come from a worship session getting real frisky on the church steps. Though times are changing and there is more of this kind of stuff and Kenyan screens I wonder if it is really necessary. There is a lot of excitement and talk surrounding Shuga, but I am concerned many young Kenyans will receive this new drama series unquestioningly. It is bad enough statistics are showing Kenyans are sexually active and younger ages, now they will watch Shuga and think that, that is how Kenyan youth are all living. Of course risky behavior and sexual activity is a reality for many young Kenyans, but does that mean TV shows should be encouraging this lifestyle. Shuga although it features Sindi as the virgin(I guess to balance it out) still leaves one with the feeling that casual, irresponsible sex is just fine as long as you have a condom in your back pocket. This is just more Western ideas being imported to Kenyan audiences who are expected and encouraged to adopt them. After all Shuga is an MTV product, the media giant that has been instrumental in brainwashing at least two generations of kids as to what’s hip. Yes Shuga has all the glamour and high production values (and might I add a good soundtrack-Wahu & Nonini’s sound great in it ) but I really doubt this is the stuff Kenyan youth should be consuming right now. I would rather we got more shows like Tahidi High which though don’t have the big budgets are more responsible and want Kenyan solutions to Kenyan questions, not just cut and paste from American(or even South African) life.

Shuga just says to me that the government and Kenyan corporate need to invest more in film and TV shows so that we nurture talent and can have content is originally Kenyan. Shuga will surely become a popular watch, but this will mostly because it will wow audiences with its Westernized style of presentation (check out the twitter/facebook-like bubbles that pop up during scenes.) shuga should be the que for Kenyan TV show producers and directors to say, no we are not going to just import foreign ideas for mass consumption . We are Kenyans we know better how to present our issues and connect with youth, it can be done. I’ll be drinking my tea strungi on this one.

Writing With Light: The Art of Picture Taking

2009-12-09T00:15:00.000+03:00

I recently made my way over to Kuona Trust in Hurlingham to check out the Writing With Light launch. This is an exhibition by 12 upcoming photographers who just finished a 14 week photography workshop facilitated by pro photographer Sylvia Gichia. This was workshop intended to improve the skills of upcoming photographers, and help them improve their individual styles.

I arrived about half an hour into the start of the exhibition and there were already quite a number of people there. After greeting a few people I immediately went to check out the gallery of pictures. As you enter the exhibition there is a small room with a TV set up in one corner which was playing slides of photos of the photographers during the workshop. This made the photographers stories and journeys come alive as you see the different activities they took part in to get to their debut exhibition. Hanging from the ceiling on rolls of film were pictures of the photographers; each picture with accompanying brief story of the photographer, what the workshop meant to them and why they did it. This gave the exhibition an effective personal touch and made me understand where each photographer was at in their journey.

In the main exhibition area the pictures had been arranged along the walls, and featured an assortment of different styles of photography. On the walls was also a sketch of a roll of film which flowed from one side of the room to the other, showing that like rollercoaster tracks the journey for these photographers was an exciting one. The first picture was a particularly striking one by Juan Morales. It eerily resembled a picture of the World Trade Center on fire, but in the description Juan made it clear “NOT a recreation of 9/11.” Obviously I don’t believe him, but the photo as it says on the description is of the “Senate & Chamber office building as seen Behind the Pantheon flame.” From the spooky pictures, to ones of calm like “Beautiful Sunset” by Clifford Agumbi there was a lot of yellow and sort of sets of the exhibition on a fiery note. Something refreshing about this exhibition was that although the photographers were mostly Kenyan there weren’t only scenes of landscape and wildlife, but of ordinary everyday scenes. This begs the question, why do Westerners think pictures of wildlife, sunsets and Maasai represent all there is to Africa and can African photographers work to change this image? Wedding photography has been a popular genre in Kenya for a long time, and people usually just bought ordinary church and reception pictures from roving wedding paparazzi. Now though is seems Kenyans are tired of the same old group shots but want professional photographers who will capture unique images. “Wambui” by Peninah Njuguna captures this changing trend towards natural, exciting but beautiful wedding photography. This exhibition also explores themes of light and shadow as seen in “Solitude in Laikipia” and pattern and colour in the striking “Tomatoes in Kibera,” both by Wangari Muikia. In her piece “Inner Matatu. Wangari explained how she saw these mikokoteni(hand carts) with matatu wheels that had been converted into beds. Julian Njoroge is a young upcoming photographer whose work explores everyday street scenes using black and white, and sometimes adding a dash of neon light like in “Pop A Cold One.”

This exhibition offered an opportunity for the photographers to work with other pro’s like Boniface Mwangi of “Kenya Burning” who workshopped on photojournalism, and Kobi Kihara of Citizen TV’s Breakfast Show who workshopped on Photography for TV. Photography is slowly becoming more popular among young creative Kenyans and writing With Light showed that photography is in fact an art form just like any other. Check out “Ndizi” by Wachira Mwangi which could rival a good abstract painting.

Writing With light demonstrated that there are so many paths yet to be explored by Kenyan photographers and the possibilities are endless. With workshops like these Kenyan photographers can nurture their talent and new forms of photography can be explored and brought to the public. The Kenyan photography scene is in dire lack of creativity, boldness and originality. As an art form it is also not yet respected yet there is a lot of skill, patience and knowledge that goes into becoming a good photographer. I hope Writing With Light will inspire other photographers to explore the art of taking pictures more, and use their cameras just like a brush to inspire, shock, provoke and change.

Writing With Light exhibition runs up till December 11th at Kuona Trust, Likoni, Lane off Dennis Pritt Road

Imagine Co. presents Next Level Performance & Exhibition

2009-12-08T12:51:00.002+03:00

The Imagine Company invites you to an evening of performance and exhibition, showcasing the outcome of a two month mentorship programme. Presenting Theatre: Christine Kimani mentored by Cajetan Boy, Music: Wafalme mentored by Calif Records, Performance Poetry: Rhoda Jura mentored by Njeri Wangari & Steve Partington and more.

Date: Sunday 13th December, 2009

Venue: Louis Leakey Auditorium,Kenya National Museum, Museum Hill

Tickets: Ksh500(Advance) Ksh600(At Gate)

Mpesa 0725-246983, ZAP 0734-024295

Video: Kinanda Arts Festival promo

2009-12-07T10:19:00.001+03:00

The band playing in the video is Ma3

Video: What is Ushahidi?

2009-12-05T13:25:00.000+03:00

Ushahidi, which means ”testimony” in Swahili, is a website that was developed to map reports of violence in Kenya after the post-election fallout at the beginning of 2008. We’re working to build a new platform that can be used anywhere in the world, and this blog tells some of that story.
Ushahidi’s roots are in the collaboration of Kenyan citizen journalists during a time of crisis.
read more here

Picha Mtaani Exhibition

2009-12-04T10:53:00.000+03:00

Date: 6th - 8th December 2009

Venue: outside The Hilton, Moi avenue

Entry: Free

Video: DNA - "Mtoto wa Sonko"

2009-12-03T09:50:00.000+03:00

featuring Kambua & Isaac Kahurah

Video: Kwame - "Mola"

2009-12-01T11:19:00.000+03:00

featuring Astar

Interview with Afro-Jazz artist Nita Hungu Pt.2

2009-11-27T12:30:00.002+03:00

In Part 2 of this interview with Afro-Jazz artist Nita Hungu we discuss the theme of her album, Gospel musics growing popularity in Kenya, does she listen to secular music and more. Enjoy!

::KenyaChristian:: What’s the theme of the album?

Nita Hungu: Well, as I mentioned earlier my music centres around love and life. There are some love songs on the album (man-woman love) with God being the umbrella and under that I think that Christians need to write about things that affect Christians. So like if my heart got broken as a musician I need to write about it cause I think everyone goes through these things it’s just that most people are afraid to put it out there I believe God wants to give us solutions for our everyday experiences.

::KC:: Do you find that a lot of Christian artists are not real with the things they talk about and act too spiritual, and is that something you’re trying to talk about?

NH: Well, no not really. I feel that everyone is different and has their own calling in the kinds of things they sing about. There are some people who are called to sing about the Church, other are called to sing just about regular life things. So in my case I’m singing about things that affect me Nita Hungu, like my family, community, abortion, or whatever it is.

::KC:: Gospel music has been growing in popularity in the past few years How would you explain this popularity, are more people turning to God?

NH: Well I can’t really explain the sudden craving for Gospel music, but I was reading a Nation article which was saying they even play Gospel music in the club, and I think that’s a good thing! It means we are getting the Gospel out there; I just hope it’s God. There are so many bad things that have occurred in the past and people just want solutions for that, so people are turning to God.

::KC:: So do you listen to any other kinds of music,whether its rock or even secular music?

NH: O.K well that will just be opening up a Pandora’s box but what I’ll say is I like artists like Jeremy Camp and the other artists I had mentioned. And honestly my take on listening to music is, take that music which edifies you, and music that teaches you. I won’t listen to music with cuss words you know, but I’ll listen to music that teaches me something. I won’t say that I don’t listen to any kind of “secular” music. But like I said it’s a whole Pandora’s Box, everyone has a choice, as long as what you’re listening to is Godly music. Godly in the sense that if someone can speak about love in a good way, then that’s okay; basically positive music.

::KC:: When can we expect the album Love, Life & Limb to be released?

NH: You can expect my debut album next year, which is what we’re hoping for.

Listen to Nita Hungu's debut single Rain here

If you missed Part 1 of the interview check out here

Check out Nita Hungu's debut concert at August 7th Memorial this Saturday 28th. Click here for details

Video: Pastor Cox speaks on Jay-Z dissing Jesus

2009-11-27T10:22:00.003+03:00

Part Two here

(O.K I'm not a big fan of Jay-Z, but I have followed his music.Although he is a very talented rapper, the fact is he has been comparing himself to God for a long time now. If I listed the times he has blasphemed in his music it would be very long. I think it's about time Christians started challenging and calling out these celebs, and not be intimidated by their fame.)

Video: Nneka - "The Uncomfortable Truth"

2009-11-26T13:02:00.002+03:00

Writing with Light Exhibition @ Kuona Trust

2009-11-25T16:58:00.001+03:00

Opening 28th November ‘09, Kuona Trust, 6pm—9pm

12 participants who actively attended a 14-week photography workshop at Kuona facilitated by Pro-photographer, Sylvia N. Gichia. They will be showcasing their best works from the workshop. The show aims to display the different creative artistic styles, and expertise nurtured and achieved within the 14 weeks. The workshops covered topics inclusive of abstract, street, fashion, editing and composition, journalism amongst others. The photographers showcasing their work include: Clifford Agumbi, Chao Sio, Dorota Panczyk, Edlam Yemeru, Humphrey Kagiri, Julian Njoroge, Juan Morales, Jayne Ekema, Steve Obeto, Wangari Muikia and Wachira Mwangi. The exhibition runs until 11 December 2009.

Video: Avatar "Colonel Miles"

2009-11-24T15:13:00.002+03:00

O.K, O.K I admit it, I can't wait to watch this movie!

Wawero Interview on RFI

2009-11-20T11:09:00.002+03:00

Here is an interview Radio France Internationale conducted with Penya Africa director Robert Wawero and producer Marko Roca. They talk about Penya artists, how Muthoni was signed, the New African Sound, who received a death threat and more!

Listen: Wawero interview on RFI

Video: Boniface Mwangi @ Kuweni Serious!

2009-11-20T10:06:00.002+03:00

“Kenya: A Nation of Bystanders"
Boniface Mwangi, whose work you’ve probably seen at the “Kenya Burning” photo exhibition and book about the post-election violence, is the director of Picha Mtaani, an award-winning photo-journalist, a husband and a father. He believes Kenya is ‘a nation of by-standers’.

Previously: Blinky Bill @ Kuweni Serious

Da' T.R.U.T.H takes a sabbatical.

2009-11-18T11:52:00.000+03:00

O.K, this was unexpected but it just reminds us how human we all are. Keep him in your prayers, I will say his music has really strengthened my faith ever since I started listening to it.

Hip hop artist Da' T.R.U.T.H. announced on his website that he is taking a sabbatical from ministry after a "moral indiscretion" in his personal life. In the statement, Emanuel L. Lambert, Jr, - aka Da' T.R.U.T.H. - said that he has apologized to his wife and family and is working towards reconciliation with the help of his church, pastor and restoration team.
In May, hip hop artist The Ambassador was released from his label after a "moral failure in his marriage."
And currently in the news, BeBe Winans arrest in February on domestic assault charges against his ex-wife Debbie.

Continue reading here and here

Kinanda Arts Festival on Jamhuri Day

2009-11-16T13:00:00.004+03:00

Description: The Nairobi Kinanda Arts Festival is a two day annual festival showcase of the best the world has to offer in the performing arts i.e. in music, dance, poetry and film all this happening over a single weekend in the city of Nairobi. The ethos of The Nairobi The Nairobi Kinanda Arts Festival festival is guided by our vision to be (the regional leader) and premium source of an authentic, wholesome live entertainment experience. The Nairobi The Nairobi Kinanda Arts Festival Festival is collective effort by a team of highly energized individuals driven by a passionate desire to celebrate, nourish and develop the growth of the local arts and culture industry.

And yes, Freshly Ground will be performing at the same date and venue. Also performing will be Eric Wainaina, Aaron Rimbui, Kanjii Mbugua, Atemi Oyungu, Maia and others.

Date: December 12th, 2009

Venue: Uhuru Gardens, off Langata Rd, Nairobi

Time: 4:30 p.m - 10:30 pm

Tickets: Ksh1,500

Video: Nneka on BBC Network Africa

2009-11-16T12:20:00.002+03:00

Been tweet-bugging her to come to Kenya,lol. Oh by the way Asa may be performing in Nairobi next year. You heard it here first!

Read more here

Previously: Music Seen! Nneka "No Longer at Ease"

Video: Holy Dave -"Bounce Back"

2009-11-16T12:19:00.002+03:00

the swagger endeleaz....

Video: Enid - "Wewe Ni Bwana"

2009-11-16T12:17:00.000+03:00

beautiful.

Sauti Sol Unplugged @ Galileo's

2009-11-12T12:17:00.000+03:00

Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Time: 7:00pm

Venue: Club Galileo, Musuem Hill, nairobi

Tickets: Ksh500

Muthoni Ndonga - "Mikono Kwenye Hewa" + inlay artwork

2009-11-10T08:41:00.004+03:00

Check out a new track from Muthoni Ndonga from her soon to be released album "The Human Condition." I'm liking this one, she flows very effortlessly on it and she's doing something different. You know I'll be reviewing the album as soon as I get it, stay tuned!

Listen: Muthoni - "Mikono Kwenye Hewa" (lyrics)

Bonus: "Saidia"(snippet) (lyrics)

Plus, check out some cool artwork from her album.(click pic to enlarge)

Random post. Santigold

2009-11-10T00:47:00.003+03:00

Nothing much to post of late. and when you have nothing much to post who do you turn to? why Santigold of course! lol...nah,if youve followed this blog for a while you'd know I'm a huge fan though.

Previously: Music Seen! Santogold

Video: Blinky Bill @ Kuweni Serious!

2009-11-08T20:37:00.000+03:00

Just A Band’s second album – 82 – features a song called “Usinibore”, written by Blinky Bill; a member of the band. “It’s about feeling helpless about the way things are, and wanting to do something in your capacity to change stuff. [Africans] don’t have the same opportunities as other people.”, he says.
“There’s also the political angle. I think we’re all very tired of seeing politicians who’ve been there from the 60s still clinging to power and not doing anything to better our lives. That’s something that affects all of us. If the country starts to burn like it did in 2007, we all go down with it.” He sat down with us to talk about his views on “whiny” Kenyans, and how desperately we need a new breed of politicians in this country.

Previously: George Gachara @ Kuweni Serious!

African Film Library launched

2009-11-08T14:46:00.005+03:00

Description: The African Film Library is an M-Net initiative showcasing the best of the African film industry – making the movies easily accessible for movie aficionados around the world.

The African film industry is one of the oldest – with its roots in Ain el Ghezel (The Girl of Carthage), which was produced in Tunisia by Chemama Chikly in 1924. M-Net has spent the last three years negotiating the rights to almost 600 works in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese and digitally remastering them.

The library forms an important archive of the continent’s cultural cinematic heritage, and also, for the first time, makes the African artists’ works easily accessible by a wide viewership around the globe – creating a new audience for existing and emerging filmmakers.

The library consists of award-winning works from more than 80 producers including Senegalese Ousmane Sembene and Djibril Mambety, Yousef Chahine from Egypt and Haile Gerima from Ethiopia.