Concert: Love is Kenya, Feb 13 2010 @ National Museum

LOVE IS …. presents an all STAR line-up, Songstress Dela, Just a Band, Sauti sol, Muthoni the Drummer queen and Stan on one platform!!

On the eve of Valentines day, PENYA AFRICA presents LOVE IS….
An all rounded concert to celebrate our love for one another,for our country,our music and our diversity

TICKETS
Avdvance 500 bob, Gate 700 bob
STUDENTS: Advance 400 bob, Gate 600 bob

Set at the serene ambiance of the National museum of Kenya,come celebrate with us on the night of Saturday the 13th! The very best from the artists flag bearing the new Kenyan sound including,

*Sauti sol
Kenya’s first acoustic neosoul sold out boy band consisting of 4 members, Austin, Bienaime’, Delvin and the gifted Polycarp Fancyfingers.
Promise to deliver yet another one of their electric performances and songs of conscious writing!

*Muthoni the Drummer queen
Meet the drummer queen, the talented flow poet’s songs will take you through a journey of life’s experiences, enjoy her sultry sound of jazz, dance and even sounds of reggae!

*Just a Band
The internationally and locally acclaimed unique boy band, consists of Blinky Bill, Jim Chuchu and Danny. They are in to spice up the concert with their music of dance, trance, techno even acoustic soul!

*Dela
Penya Africa’s first lady will bring you songs of articulate writing, from neosoul, reggae, acoustic soul to rap, yeah she raps too! She promises to soothe y’all lovers in the house!

The mellow Stan
The multi – gifted performer brought you,”wangeci”,”gachugwa”, come seen him perform live, such smooth jazz!

All Albums are available at all Numetro music stores and Sound Africa music shop 20th century.
They shall be also be available for sale at the venue:
MWANZO- Sauti sol
PAUKWA- Dela
Muthoni the drummer queen- Muthoni
82- Just a Band
Kenyan Debut- Stan

*The Picha Mtaani exhibition will also be showing!

PROUDLY PENYA AFRICA IN CONJUCTION WITH PICHA MITAANI, ESL and BLACKSTAR ENTERTAINMENT.

Wajukuu Art Project Exhibition + Workshop, until Feb 14 2010 @ ISK Arts Centre

The Wajukuu Art Project based in Mukuru slum in Embakasi which consists of art students aged between 8 and 18 years worked with ISK (International School of Kenya) students on the two lions for the recent Born Free Fundraiser. These young and talented artists under the tutelage of Shabu the artist have an exhibition of their work from February 4 to 13th at the ISK Arts Centre. Students from ISK will host members of the project at a collage workshop on 14th February. Come and support this group of budding young artists and view their art work.

Exhibit: Iran at a glance, Feb 8 – 12 @ National Museum

Daughters of Africa, Feb 16 2010 @ Sarakasi Dome

‘Daughters of Africa’ is a music show that will be composed and produced in Kenya by the VDB Theatre Productions (the Netherlands). It is about the voice of Africa that represents the hope of a better tomorrow through song and theater. It is set to tour the Netherlands for 3 months between February and May 2010. The ‘Daughters of Africa’ musical is a Pan- African Production with a cast from Kenya, Cameroon, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania.

The show will be produced in Nairobi at the Sarakasi Dome and will have its Grand Premiere which will also be a send off cocktail on the 16th of February 2010 at the Sarakasi Dome. On board is world renowned Leoni Jansen and Peter Ultee from the Netherlands as artistic producer and executive producers respectively. We were involved in the selection last year and a tryout of some sort was held at the Dome in December. It was stunningly good!

Grand Premiere
The very first and only show of the musical will be at the Sarakasi Dome on 16th February 2010 from 6.30pm till 11pm.Only 250 tickets are available. It will be a high profile send off cocktail come buffet function; restricted to the International corporate society and embassies of the participating countries. This will be a top of the list, best quality production ever to be staged in east Africa. It will be characterized by a red carpet entry and flamboyant ambiance. Safe and adequate parking available.

Dress code: Smart casual

Packages
1. 10 (Minimum) individual tickets including buffet, cocktails and 1 and half hour International top entertaining Pan-African show @ 25,000 KSHS

2. 5 labeled Corporate tables (20 guests) inclusive of a buffet, cocktails and a mention in the exclusive full color brochure of this V.I.P event @ 60,000 KSHS

3. As package number two (2) above; inclusive of meet and greet and a drink with the cast, creative team and exclusive pictures on stage with the cast @ 70,000 KSHS

For more information call Gloria on 0736 530 161 or 3742991/4 or email gloria@sarakasi.co.ke

Play: To Have and To Mould, Feb 14 2010 @ Nairobi Cinema

Better Pill Productions presents a rib-cracking Valentine Drama fiesta: “To have and to mould” (The pursuit of a mate) at The Nairobi Cinema on Sunday 14th February 2010 starting 3pm.

A hilarious view of the demands of love and relationships in the 21st Century presented in a refreshing mix of comic Drama, Music, dance and poetry. Featuring among others: Gospel Artist Mbuvi, Weby, Linda Orocha, Alice Kamande and The Dance artists SAINTZ.

Charges are Kshs 350 at the gate, Kshs 300 advance and Kshs 250 advance for students.

Movie Screening: Bamako, Feb 8 2010 @ Alliance

Bamako
by Abderrahmane Sissako (2006 – 1h58)

In the courtyard of the compound that Melé and her unemployed husband Chaka share with other families, a courtroom drama takes place. The plaintiffs are the people of Africa; the defendants, charged with worsening the economic plight of the continent, are the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Monday, 8 February at 6pm
with English subtitles, Entrance Free

Storymoja Book Club: Purple Hibiscus, Feb 8 2010 @ Sarit Centre

The Storymoja Book clubs are forums where young professionals can come together and discuss books and various themes raised in them. The club is open to young professionals and its forum for them to interact and share their views and opinions on the various books they have read.

At 6pm on February 8 at Text Book Centre Coffee Shop at Sarit Centre

Chimamanda Adichie was 25 years old when she wrote her debut novel, which isn’t in itself a reason to read it. But it does add to the wonder evoked by such a gripping narration of the many forms oppression can take. Purple Hibiscus was shortlisted for the Orange Prize Award, an award for female African fiction writers.

Please feel free to contact Sheila at sheila@storymojaafrica.co.ke or call 020-2089595

Japanese Movie: The Three Undelivered Letters, Feb 10 2010 @ Japan Information Culture Centre

CINEMA JAPAN PLUS
Wednesday 10th February 2010 at Japan Information and Culture Centre

5.00 pm Japan Video Topics (15 minutes)
5.15 pm feature film “The Three Undelivered Letters” Directed by NOMURA Yoshitaro (130 minutes)

Free Entry

Music Festival: Blankets & Wine, Feb 7 2010 @ Tayiana Garden

Blankets& Wine is the premier afro music experience in East Africa designed to showcase outstanding musicians in the emerging genres of afro-based music.

Every first Sunday of the month from 1:00pm- 6:30pm
Adult tickets Ksh 1,000 children over 5 Ksh 400.

This is the excellent full programme for this month:

2:10 pm Isaiah Katumwa ( Ugandan Jazz)
( www.myspace.com/isaiahkatumwa )

2:40pm Ashimba ( Some Tanzania afro-soul! www.myspace.com/ashimba )

3:45pm Dela ( Kenya Afro-soul singer sensation! Dela audio and video clips on Penya’s website)

5:00pm Eric Wainaina (no need for introduction!)

DJ sets in between the acts

Exhibit: Permiso: Excuse Me, Feb 3 – 26 2010 @ National Museum

The Embassy of México in Nairobi invites you to the opening of the exhibition “Permiso : Excuse Me” by artist Miriam Syowia Kyambi.
Opening at the Nairobi National Museum on 3rd February 2010 from 7 – 9 pm
The exhibition continues to 26th Feb 2010
For details call tel: +254 728 389 813
The museum is open daily 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

The body of work in this exhibition Permiso : Excuse Me explores the complexity of two contemporary societies Mexico and Kenya, both countries having faced turbulent social changeare negotiating the flux of tradition and modernity,and how this affects one’s cultural and social identity.

Public Reading: African Chess, Feb 4 2010 @ Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut invites you to the first public reading in 2010. The German author Hans von Loesch will not only tell the story of his life as captured in his novel but will also interact with the audience as he shares the fascinating story of his encounter with ghosts on the Kenyan coast.

As Councillor Mwadzikomba breathes his last on the rails of Ramisi Bridge, the German emigrant Hans von Loesch comes to the end of a decade spent between dreams and nightmares. The pursuit of a life of serenity on the Kenyan coast leads to a fascinating world of traditions and belief in ghosts.

The novel will be introduced by Werner Zeppenfeld, ARD-Correspondent for East Africa, to whom Hans first told his story.

“A book like no other – not a novel, not an autobiography, not a report – a little bit of all these and as fascinating as a first-class thriller. So enticing that the reader feels compelled to visit the places and see for himself…”
Reimer von Essen – Barrelhouse Jazzband

Goethe-Institut Nairobi, 4th February, 6.00 pm, Entry Free

Kenyan Movie: A Granny’s Tale, Feb 1 2010 @ Alliance

A GRANNY’S TALE
Co-directed by Ihara Kihara and Amit Tyagi,
A Pamoja film Initiative

Monday, 1 February, 6pm
In English, Entrance Free

‘A Granny’s Tale’ is about a granny from a family of fredom fighters in the Mau Mau days in Kenya. It has been produced by Productions East Africa.

Play: I want your wife!, Feb 4 – 14 2010 @ Alliance

Festival of Creative Arts brings you hottest comedy – I WANT YOUR WIFE…! @ Alliance Francaise from 4th to 14th Feb. Special offer: tickets are only 300/= if bought by 31st January. From 1st Feb @ 500/= Adults and 300/= students. Dont miss out, rush for your ticket today from Sarit Centre Info desk, westlands, Alliance Francaise reception and Assanand’s Music Shop on Moi Avenue.

The shows open on Thursday 4 February till Sunday 14: weekdays at 6:30pm while weekend shows will be at 3 and 6 30 pm.
Box office hotlines: landline-020-202-5811/cell:0726-524-124/ 0728130134
Email: fcakenya@gmail.com

I want your Wife! is set in a middle-class household occupied by seemingly happy well-to-do couple Sheila and Andrew. Both have been
naughty, however. Both blissfully unaware of their alcohol-clouded indiscretions of the previous week. Andrew gets sloshed at his office
do and tries it on with a secretary, while Sheila gets friendly with a younger man after getting pickled at a party. This play is a mishmash
of utter confusion set on a Sunday afternoon where one would expect a stress free day. Two unexpected guests arrive to break the ‘happy’
couple’s reverie, throwing their entire relationship into question.
What follows is utter confusion. A series of humorous misunderstandings and mistaken identities follows as the couples try
to hide their possible infidelities through a string of lies.

Party: Hello 2010, Jan 30 2010 @ The Loft Lounge

The Loft Lounge plays host to 6am’s first event on the Nairobi night scene this year. Those of you who have the dance music spirit burning inside you must attend. DJs Barney Barrow, Drazen and special new addition Sean Fraser will be heating up the dancefloor with the best dance music around.

Gates open from 9pm-6am
Entry is 500 Kshs
Dress code: 1980s
(Creative dress is encouraged)
Please bring along some valid identification to avoid missing the party

Kwani? Open Mic, Feb 1 2010 @ Club Soundd

Kwani Trust is inviting you to Kwani? Open Mic on Tuesday, 1st February 2010 at Club Soundd, Hamilton House Kaunda Street
Entry: Ksh 100/- only.
Featured Poet: Eko Dydda
MC: The lovely Cindy Ogana

Eko Dyyda is one of Kenya’s hottest young gospel artists. Growing up in Nairobi’s Mathare and Huruma slums his interest in music started when he was at Eastleigh High School. Eko, once a praise and worship leader at his local church, credits his switch to hip-hop to God:

“[I] once woke up in the middle of the night…to hear [sounds] that sounded like beats ringing in [my] head”
His big break came when he met Holy Dave, with whom he collaborated in his hit single ‘Niko Na Reason’.

Eko is an acronym of his real name (which he insists on keeping hidden). Dydda is opposite of Daddy, a nickname he was given when hewas in Mathare Youth Sporting Academy-MYSA, where he once played football.

Major Appearances And Achievements
• Kirk Franklins Spread The Love Concert at the Carnivore 2009 alongside Holy Dave, Juliani, Rufftone, Astar, Kanjii Mbugua, Esther Wahome, Jemimah Thiong’o.
•The Totally Sold Out Concert, Fifth Edition and Mteja campaign.

Discography
Niko Na Reason – Topped the following Charts: The Beat, H2O, Crossover 101, The Stomp, Homeboyz Radio and Power Radio.

WAPI, Jan 30 2010 @ Sarakasi Dome

Nairobi Now Contributors Meetup, Saturday Jan 23

Dear readers,
A number of you contacted us in response to our call for participation to Nairobi Now – thanks a lot!
We have decided to have a meeting this weekend with those who can to coordinate people’s ideas for collaboration
Unfortunately at this stage Nairobi Now is not in a position to hire anyone or to offer a salary, but participating in this blog is a fun way to meet other like-minded Nairobians.

So if you are interested, we are going to meet somewhere in Westlands tomorrow Saturday 23rd at 6pm.
Please confirm via email, and you’ll be sent the exact info on the location

Looking forward to seeing you!

Concert: Maia Von Lekov, Jan 30 2010 @ Tamambo Tapas

Concert: Danger’s Band, Jan 22 & 29 2010 @ Village Market

Friday 22 & 29 Jan from 9pm
cool funky jazz with DANGER’S BAND at Tamambo Tapas Bar at Village Market

Music For Peace and Culture of Non-Violence, Jan 23 2010 @ Acref

MUSIC FOR PEACE AND CULTURE OF NON-VIOLENCE
Where:@ ACREF Centre (African Cultural Research and Education Foundation Centre) – Baba Dogo area
When: Saturday the 23rd of Jan 2010, 12:00 to 16:00

Acref band plus gest bands all coming from the slums area and from different communities will perform music to bring a message of peace and unity.

For more infos contact:
Ramadhan Obiero 0723395008

Nairobi Provincial Visual Arts Exhibition, Jan 30 – Feb 28 2010 @ GoDown

The annual Nairobi Provincial Visual Arts Exhibition will be held at The GoDown Arts Centre from the 30th of January 2010. The exhibition is featuring artists from Nairobi province and will run until the 28th of February 2010. It will be on every Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm

For correspondence or bookings for shows,
Please contact us on 555770, 555227 or 0726992200.
info@thegodownartscentre.com

Play: Cut Off My Tongue, Jan 26 2010 @ Dass

Storymoja is once again bringing you the acclaimed Cut Off My Tongue performance. Its happening on 26th January at 7pm at Dass Restaurant on Woodvale groove, Westlands. Be sure not to miss it. One of the greatest shows of 2009!

Charges are only Ksh.500 bob

Tickets available at Dass Tel: 020-4453262 & 0722-388388
You can also book on Tel: 020-2089595 & 0722-838161

Rhythm and Spoken, Jan 22 2010 @ Dass

Rhythm and Spoken: Music and poetry open mic night on Friday 22nd of January 2010
A cool music and open mic poetry night featuring the afrosoul band Inka and great poetry laced with Neosoul/Afrosoul and Rare grooves
Featuring the band Inka. Afterparty with DJ Eduardo.

At Dass Ethiopian Restaurant, Woodvale Grove, Westlands
Starts:8:30pm
Performances: 9-10:30pm
Entry:Sh200

Exhibit: A Black Man’s View, A White Man’s Taboo, opening Jan 21 2010 @ Goethe-Institut

“A Black Man’s View, A White Man’s Taboo”

Kota Otieno, Dennis Muraguri, Cyrus Nganga and Kepha Mosoti .
Curated by Ato Malinda

Opening January 21st, 6:00pm – 10:00pm at the Goethe Institut Nairobi

Is tribalism in Kenya the guise for the real cause of inequalities in our nation – racism? Are we fighting each other because we cannot fight “the other”? How has our history of segregation and violence really affected the psychologies of today? These are the questions four black Kenyan artists are asking themselves as their identity is continually challenged in their daily interactions by people of other races, in their Homeland. Swept under the carpet, but still around; how do we paint our society lighter shades of grey?
-Ato Malinda

“Perhaps this passionate research and this anger are kept up or at least directed by the secret hope of discovery beyond the misery of today, beyond self-contempt, resignation and abjuration, some very beautiful and splendid era whose existence rehabilitates us both in regard to ourselves and in regard to others.” -Frantz Fanon

Peace Concert by Ghetto Films, Jan 16 2010 @ St Johns Church in Korogocho

Ghetto films is holding a Ghetto 2 Ghetto community event in-sync with a film production.There will be perfoming artist,film screenings and a movie being produced at the same time. KOSA UCHEKWE

January 16, 5:00pm – 7:30pm at St Johns Catholic church,Amphitheater Korogocho