OF SPOKEN SPACES & POETIC PLATFORMS

I am amazed at how far Nairobians have come in the last few years as far as the arts go. There was a time when Phoenix Players were the all in all of performance theatre. Then in the late 90s and early 00s we had the British, German and French Cultural centres regaling us with plays galore - every Friday to Sunday 3pm & 6pm at 150bob – where we would insist on watching the plays come rain or shine; so much we would find ourselves (before going to a nightclub) cramped in a little space with some of us standing throughout the whole show. I remember being given the chance to doing a show with a group of friends (one who has managed to do very well for herself in the TV biz) but alas that didn’t fall through.

At the same time I was studying Fine Arts at the Creative Arts Centre on River Road (now they have moved a little uptown to Ngong Road between Uchumi and Prestige) and the artists there would sit for hours on end complaining about there being no market or money for their art. The conclusion then was that at some point someone had to sell out, learn CAD (Computer Aided Design) - and do this and that on the side to earn a living. Now I hear of Bizarre Bazaar happening on Forest Lane, next to Karen Blixen (just this passed weekend) where arts & crafts are going for crazy amounts of shillings. Given that they are still struggling artists all over Nairobi, but they are now getting their spaces & platforms in places like WaPI (Words & Pictures) at the British Council (one Saturday a month), on TV shows like Art Scene on KTN and some get to display their works in locales like Java Coffee & Tea.

It used to be way less than 200 bob (Ksh) to watch a movie on big screen; you could even throw two tubs of popcorn, soda and chocolate into that budget without flinching. Nowadays I have to look up the ratings for the movie in www.imdb.com and or www.rottentomatoes.com before I decide to watch it big screen, buy the book or wait for the DVD guy to come to the office on Thursday so that I can borrow it at 100ksh. Yet between then and now there have been a number of our very own movies such as Project Daddy & Dangerous Affairs granted that they aren’t Hollywood blockbuster material - they are ours non-the less. We’ve also had award winning Directors come and do award winning movies in our very own backyard such as The Constant Gardener. In that time other things have also been sown and grown such as our music (as much as we love to hate Kapuka) fashion, television shows, cuisine, and entertaining activities such as Safari Rally or Safo which is back in action thanks to Kenya Commercial Bank.

Despite all that, what makes me the most proud is how the literal community has grown in leaps & bounds; and more so the Poets - by the way not just written poetry but Spoken Word Poets. I remember coming back home last year and my friend convincing me to tag along to what she called Kwani? Poetry Readings. I had heard and interacted with the people of Kwani? but had not experienced any of their poetic nights. It was fun I must say, but I was slightly disoriented hearing Kenyans performing spoken word that well. Especially because we were raised on an 8-4-4 diet of, “Ladies and Gentlemen, adjudicators, my fellow classmates and….my name is… and I am from class…I will recite a poem for you entitled… Maize! Thank you.” So I was really impressed with what I was hearing and became a common fixture on the front row seats every first Tuesday of the month. That was closely followed by the Poetry Club at the Junction; where I even got a book voucher (read two free books of my choice) to show for my attendance. Then came WaPI at the British Council in May 2006

I am a lover of Brands and I believe in a couple years these events become major brand identities to reckon with in the Art world. I’m not saying that I am the end all and be all of successful events in Nairobi; but I know a good thing when I see one. There are also a variety of target markets for each brand (hence why advertising survives) and as it is these three events haven’t managed to cater for everyone.

However, what saddens me right now is that I already sense some strife in our little known industry. I feel pain because on one end I hear someone calling one crowd the “bubble-bum poets”, while another will call the others “too ghetto, too underground and too rowdy”. I get confused because at this point I am proud to belong to both camps and I really don’t see myself falling squarely into either. I know there will always be competition and bad mouthing in anything that intends to survive (especially in any capitalist realm of “me first me first”). Yet the idealist in me would wish it wasn’t so, I wish that it would be all about sharing, building each other and taking the industry forward. I wish it was about that but even a child has to go through the irritating teething stage before they can get teeth then learn to eat… eat to survive – survive to live. So I’ll bounce back and forth between the bubble-gum and the ghetto worlds. I will also try to get the guts to perform at both arenas; because I believe I can and I believe that my words can transcend beyond any perception one might have of me.

KENYAN MEDIA MISBEHAVIOUR!

The incident on the kids who’ve been busted with drugs in Malaysia is a contentious issue indeed; especially because the media is mainly concentrating on Joe Donde’s daughter. Sadly there is another girl called Emily who was arrested as well. There has also been a court case since March 2006 involving a Kenyan girl who is now gonna face a life sentence in China for drug possession (and we only get to hear of that last week).

My first concern is that Kenyan’s reputation is starting to become like our fellow West Africans (in the last 3-5 years there have been many caught with drugs). The second concern is that the media (even at a critical time such as this) will sensationalise the Malaysian drug bust story and make it about former MP Joe Donde and his daughter. She and her father are giving interviews on radio and her pictures are all over the press. There is nothing wrong with that but makes me wonder how many other Kenyans are arrested and go through court systems in foreign countries; but because their parents or distant relatives aren’t media worthy (read prominent people) till they storm the Embassy or appeal tearfully on KTN or NTV…then we will never know of their plights.

I think the media should review how they report the news and move away from sensationalism. The country needs to be told the truth properly and not coated everything in the politics that has already hijacked our daily living.

JAZZETRY!

First it slipped my mind that I was to perform, and then I managed to rehearse and remember the whole poem in time. Sadly when I got to the location saw the magnitude of the crowd and knew I wasn’t going to perform.

It went well however, the jazz bands regaled us with funky tunes and the poets with their word wizardry. The sound system set up for the poets, wasn’t good and one had to do a lot of straining to hear anything. There were the few who sort of had the right tone for the mic and some words came through. Most of the time we were listening to the jazz of the audiences voices and the conversations that were going on around us.

There was also the poetry of beauty all around us. The number of delicious chocolate candy that was moving about…wow! One of them walked up to the mic and sang Summertime by Billy Holiday, if there was an activity called “Being Smot” I was right there and then. I love that song and he sang it like I believe Maxwell would…plus he is really handsome… trouble does come in threes.

Adding to all of this was the good company of my pal and her sister. I also met a few people I knew. Chatted up someone about the possibility of taking the whole poetry and jazz community to a whole new level. There was also my Capoeira class dazzling people with their agile moves all the while in nice formal clothing… all jazz like! Best of all was watching my really close friend who was unsure of his piece but after the first few lines he rose above his nerves and horrible sound system – this was evident from the positive response he got from the crowd.

Then there was that mug of coffee I took (haven’t been on caffeine for a while) so there I was all chatty (read high) all the way till I got home and even woke Mum up to talk.

I’m ok now. I will hand it to The Poetry/Jazz (Jazzetry) Night by NuMetro. Next time however work on the sound, set up a stage and give us a funkier sitting arrangement.

WaPI 2006

I am proud to say that I’ve been a WaPI”ist” since the beginning which was way way way back in 19xx - well except from the first WaPI in May (Hustle) & a couple of others (Hip Hop I & Ma3). All I can say to the conceptualizers, creators, organizers, attendees, congregation, segregation - ladies & gentlemen is simply CONGRATS TO ALL.

Now as we close with WaPI VII (Dec 16th) I submit my humble opinion that it is indeed great to be a part of the birth of giving back the rights, freedom & acknowledgement to the local artists - not those who bleat out some random-radio-station playing tunes - but true artists - artists that deserve more than a chance - artists that deserve a platform.

I look forward to WaPI 2007, and as the country submerges itself into various political quagmires… It is comforting to know that we will have a strong voice out there in the form we know best… ART.

…OHM…

I’m at the verge of crossing over to the part of my life where I start to • take care of me • stand on my own two feet • be the one to deal with the roof over my head • food on my table - and a whole lot of that stuff. I did it in Malaysia but didn’t work for my money. So my head has been for the passed months been in a swirl over creating a mind-set that will see me survive at first and then live. That means alot of stuff that I’m used to has to go out the window, I had given most of them up in KL; but when I came home last year I let myself enjoy them while in Mum’s house. Therefore, to all the decisions, debates and debacles that are gonna be on my case… ohm…

FIVE MINUTES MORE?

Ok personally I ask for fifteen minutes more… but that’s just me. I snooze from one nine-minute slot to the next… then wake up with a start as if someone else had let me oversleep. But I digress I found this post called Just 5 More Minutes makes a lot of sense. Then think how an extra five minutes more or less affects us everyday…

My best five minute occurence this year was when we were leaving Lamu Island early in the morning (having missed the only bus to town the day before) rushing, panting, then I turned and saw this…

The most beautiful sunrise I’d seen in the longest time… and it took waking up five minutes earlier, leaving the room five minutes later… stopping just for five minutes (while the slow boat filled) to take a series of beautiful images (that I will load one of this days)… it took five minutes of seeing God’s early morning masterpiece (just for me I believe)… to solidify my time in Lamu Island. I had had a great time, I spent time with someone dear to me and learnt a thing or two about them. I had let the good heartdedness of the residents of Lamu (read Mama Abdallah who had fed us so well - among others) wash over me along with the waters of the Indian Ocean… and relaxed my soul (which was more tired than my body)… I wish I had that in Lamu - five minutes more…

THE ORBIT THEORY

I’ve had a self-inflicted dramatic morning and the rest of the day looks open to more of it. Woke up late (ahem) but earlier than most days. I had taken some phone credit from the canteen downstairs and I needed to withdraw money from an ATM and pay up (I hate debts). So the plan was to take a quick mud ridden detour to the Uchumi on Ngong Road to do my errand. I finished with time to spare and I squished and squashed myself on this rainy morning to get transport to the office.

As I was about to cross the road I met my former fine art teacher rushing across towards me; he remembered me (not by name however) but still felt good to be remembered although I spent a mere 3 months in his artistic care. He informed me that the art school moved from River Road to Ngong Road (take about moving uptown) and he even showed me the roof of their current residence. After quick “goodbyes” and “I’ll pass by some time” - I crossed the road and got into a matatu only to find a guy journalist that I keep on bumping into since I met him at Kwani? first poetry slam some months back. After which we’ve chanced a meeting on the streets of Nairobi and various other events held in the city.

But before all this, as I waited for a number 46 on Othaya Road, I spotted and said hello to a girl who was a few years ahead of me in high school. I can’t say she used to bully me (there was no such thing in the Catholic Institution I attended) but she belonged to a group of girls that didn’t quite blend in with my kind (which was the non-drama-club sort). I felt a sense of vindication when I saw her dreads all short (they were definitely started off a year ago) and mine all nice and draping long (some 5 and something years of care). Nature had a way of balancing things out I guess.

So I get off the matatu and proceed to take a cab for the remainder of the journey. As soon as I entered the cab driver starts bitching about another fellow cabbie that was brash & boastful when he joined their turf only for him to have an accident last night and as of today morning has no friends so to speak of. The five-minute lecture went on to summarize on the theme: No man is an Island.

Hence my orbit theory – I think once we meet someone we are predestined to revolve around their orbit and once in a while bump into each other… some more frequently than others on a daily, weekly, monthly…. yearly and eternity basis. Some we chose to make one orbit and revolve around others together. Therefore, it is important to treat each soul we meet with basic human dignity and respect… for you never know when you might meet and be in need of their orbit’s route.

CANCER DRINKING STYLES

Stumbled upon this on NairobiLiving I think it’s 99% on point. Log on to check out your drinking style. So that Vanilla Mojito at the Mercury Lounge is a definate “let’s-make-me-happy” drink. Oh and I also like Vanilla scented perfumes (they are also alcohols right?)

Cancer is a comfort drinker — and an extra wine with dinner or an after-work beer or six can be extra comforting, can’t it, Cancer darling? Like fellow water signs Scorpio and Pisces, Crabs must guard against lushery. Cancers are brilliant at ferreting out secret parties and insinuating themselves on VIP lists — and, in true Hollywood style, Cancers are never really drunk; instead, they get “tired and emotional” (read: weepy when lubricated). But there’s nothing better than swapping stories (and spit) over a few bottles of inky red wine with your favorite Cancer. Even your second-favorite Cancer will do. The sign also rules the flavor vanilla, and you’d be adored if you served up a vanilla vodka and soda.

PLAY THE STOCKS!

Do you wonder if you have what it takes to be successful in the stock market? You may not have the money to risk in the actual markets, or want to try out some trades and see how they will work for you. Then the Fantasy Stock Market is for you! Join a competition, and you will be given starting capital, which you will use to buy stocks of your choice in the Fantasy Stock Market. Over time, see how your investments perform, and compare your performance with others on Stocks Kenya.

ON PROPOSALS AND ACCEPTANCE

I asked a friend about her recent marriage and how it is that she decided that he was the one. I hope she doesn’t mind my sharing but I am so touched by these words. I pray you are too…

“You just know - you know how you could be dating, or living together, but there is always your space, your stuff, and your problem. well when that suddenly disappears and you don’t mind that it did, when your space is not complete without him, when it ours, our stuff, our problems, and you love the fact that its ours - that’s why I said yes.”