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MAY 2012
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TUVUKE!
A Youthful Perspective on Kenya’s Upcoming Polls
IS IMAGE EVERYTHING? Kenya’s Hunt for a National Dress
FOOD FOR THOUGHT What’s on the Menu for March 2013?
REDEMPTION SONGS Music + Politics = ?? A F R I C A’ S P R E M I E R O N L I N E M AG A Z I N E F O R P O S I T I V E E N T E R TA I N M E N T
NERVE CENTER Published by THE KWELI MEDIA NETWORK watscrackin@kwelimedia.com
Management • Articles • Video Ring Leader a.k.a Okwi Okoh Art Direction • Design & Layout Design Jockey a.k.a Vikki Keingati Photography Sharp Shooter a.k.a Mwangi Kirubi Video • Editing Mediarchitect a.k.a Joshua Werema Articles Quicksilver a.k.a Wamuyu Kiragu SPECIAL THANKS Our Father Pastor Linda Ochola-Adolwa Pastor Angie Gatamah Seth Muriithi Beverly Lwenya Buddha Blaze Pendo la Mama Njeri Ngige Melissa Ogur All our friends and family
on the cover
Wave Your Flag Photo by Okwi Okoh a.k.a. RING LEADER
THE BLUEPRINT SURPRISE! After years of traversing the wide expanse of the internet, trying to work ourselves into your mobile phones and messing around with ways to ride the tablet-wave to wherever.... we’re back in print! And it feels good. Never say Never right? So I guess the question is why now? Well let’s just say that Pst. Linda Ochola-Adolwa is a very very persuasive person and the time was right. Let’s get down to business. KWELI’s mission is to INFORM. INSPIRE. ENTERTAIN in a way that will hopefully get us all to see our continent in a positive, proactive and practical way. And at no time do we feel more motivated to do this than when the polls are about to open. Several African countries have gone to the ballot box this year and soon it will be Kenya’s turn - March 2013 to be specific. Now KWELI’s virtual doors and pages are open to everyone but we can’t deny the fact that many of our readers, viewers, consumers, tweeps, friends and likes are what the UN and Government of Kenya consider “young”, and the tendency with us “younglings” is to head for our local or go into an apathetic stupor when the dreaded “p” word (politics) is mentioned. It’s our honest belief here at the Nerve Centre that things will not change here - or anywhere on our beloved continent until the “Qwerty” generation starts paying attention to how, when and why
their leaders are chosen. Might sound a tad preachy but we all saw what happened last time. And that’s why the Tuvuke Hatua Forums have come so correct..read all about it... One of the reasons we think “youngsters” don’t seem to care about taking part in choosing leaders is probably because we don’t realize how much it affects us. Elections go straight to the root of what makes a country... a country. So in the following pages we’re going to talk about politics, elections and being Kenyan from all our usual angles - music, fashion, IT, photography, food etc. There will be no insults traded, or boring news reports on who defected from where, here. Instead you’ll get to hear from entertainment guru Buddha Blaze, fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur Beverly Lwenya, software developer extraordinaire Seth Muriithi and our elusive culinary ambassador Pendo la Mama. Check it all out and tell us what you think on @KWELIMedia or KWELI Magazine on FB! Unfortunately we can’t tell you when the next print edition is going to be, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing right? Better to be missed than ignored? Either way, you can always find us on www.KWELIMedia.com where all our tweets, pix, words, live streams, online magazines and short films collide! See you there!
God Bless RL KWELI is published and distributed by the KWELI Media Network.
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© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If you copy us or any of our ideas we’ll come for you.
got WHAT WE’VE
6 20
BE I N SP I R ED
4 TUVUKE!
12 TECH SPECS
Main Feature Getting the Youth to Step Up
20 MY LAND IS KENYA
Sharp Shooter Shares His Fave
Kenyan Pix
16
4
36 UGALI, SUKUMA WIKI AND THE ELECTIONS
The Meal That Unites Us All
B E I N F O RMED Feature Our Tech Guy Goes Back in Time to See the Future
16 WHAT TO WEAR
Feature Kenya’s Search for Common Threads
BE EN T ER TAI N ED
36
6 REDEMPTION SONGS
The Role of Melodies & Musicians in Election Time
27 LOAD UP ON CREATIVITY FOR 2013!
Digital Artists Show Us Alternatives for Self Expression
#AVeryGoodNight RING LEADER | OKWI OKOH WROTE IT | @okwiokoh SHARP SHOOTER | MWANGI KIRUBI & NJERI NGIGE SNAPPED ‘EM
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Rap star Juliani delivers punch lines, Some of UON’s lovely ladies get their groove on, Tuvuke Hatua delegates get their funny bones tickled, DJ Touch sets the wheels on fire!
I’VE GOT
a feeling, that tonight’s gonna be a good night.
I’M AT THE Tuvuke Hatua Forums (#TuvukeHatua), “an initiative meant to turn Kenyan youth and university students in particular, into ‘peace ambassadors’ ahead of the upcoming elections”. It’s a mouthful right? And I know there’s a “NGO JARGON AHEAD, TAKE EVASIVE ACTION IMMEDIATELY” warning message flashing in your head right now - just like it did in mine when I got the brief. But it’s pretty clear from the get-go
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that this isn’t going to be an evening of powerpoint presentations, mindnumbing statistics and having to listen to some expert with a trail of PhDs prattle on about efficacy and sustainability. Here’s what tipped me off... I’ve arrived early (#patsselfonback) and the bass is already thumping hard enough to scare off anyone born before the iPod. There’s also a long line of fairly hip-
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: SMILE! we said - and they obeyed, Juliani still at it, MCs Pst. Gowi Odera & Elsaphan Njora work the crowd
looking people waiting to get into the venue and I usually like to play this game where I pretend that I’m as cool as they are since we’re all in the same place at the same time. ROTFL And rumor has it that some of Kenya’s top musical acts - like Juliani - will rock up here to show off the “exponential potential” of Nairobi’s live music scene. Don’t roll your eyes at that one, writing is not easy! Being a reporter is a great excuse for people-watching. There are lots of young, University of Nairobi students lining up, milling around and talking in clusters. My eyes dart over the swelling crowd, stopping here and there for a little bit, due to a flash of color, a great laugh, a nice smile, a unique expression... I notice Anne Atambo - a 20-year-old first year student, working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Chinese, Conflict & Peace Studies. She’s @TuvukeHatua because of peer pressure and the
sort of intelligent curiosity that I wish I had possessed at her age. “There are so many of us out there, people my age that don’t want to continue with the mindset that our current leaders are promoting, we have a mind of our own. We are being given a chance to think for ourselves. I like that it’s youth telling us to consider our role in democratic matters because what we do now will affect the future,” she said. Anne wasn’t directly affected by the tragic events of the post-election violence that gripped Kenya in late 2007. But she heard the stories, saw the images and recounts how people from Kibera - the scene of some of the worst incidents - came into her neighborhood in Langata to look for help. It made her really, really angry. I follow Anne and her crew into the hall where scores of the people I was spying on outside are already chuckling at the antics of Elsaphan Njora and Pst. Gowi Odera (@GowiOdera). The two gentlemen have been tasked with
keeping the crowd amped up and clearly, they’re getting the job done. After the customary banter, they invite Juliani (@JulianiKenya) on stage. I’m not going to try and act like some aloof, cynical, hard-nosed journalist here. I was right there (trying to) sing along to lyrics like: “Ocampo wananeed more ink more pages jina zifit kwa list si exaggerate ka kufunika puncture na bandage ndovu haiwezi hata ngumi ya mosquito mi si muimportant? Bila mimi mama mboga ata hana customer ngumu kwangu kizungu fluent, but huwezi command umati na influence” Juliani’s sneakers seem to be filled with helium and his vertebrae have a highly-sophisticated hydraulic system. After trying (in vain) to keep up with the jumping and head-banging, I’m going to need a break...I’ll be back in a few with more from @TuvukeHatua... over to you @itsBuddhaBlaze! > @KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 5
REDEMPTION MUSIC IS ONE of the best political tools that human beings have. In fact, some of the greatest music of all time has always been music that helps us think in a political manner.
BUDDHA BLAZE WROTE IT & SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM ABOVE: Beyonce, Bob Marley, Eric Wainaina
AFTER ALL, humans are social beings and in order to thrive socially, politics is a focal point of our existence. In ancient societies, musicians were some of the most dignified individuals and were highly rated - up there with judges, doctors and kings. They were known to have been blessed by a power to communicate social messages to the masses, making them a vital element of life. Music is not only used for enjoyment and relaxation but can change the mindset, as well as unite and move people. Historically, musicians such as Beethoven were known to weave messages into his beautiful
symphonies that inspired political thought. The jazz music era of the 1920s had a lot to do with the awareness of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Later on, other musicians such as Bob Dylan would use music to spread awareness about social discourse and to challenge societal ills. Bands like The Beatles were openly against the Vietnam War in songs like ‘Revolution’ and used their popularity to promote a world governed by peace and understanding. Legendary Reggae musician Bob Marley is known worldwide for politically-charged songs like ‘Rat Race’.
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Hip hop and rock musicians have used their voices to speak out on issues like human rights violations as well. Bands such as U2 and singers like Bob Geldof have gone around the world fighting for the reduction of Africa’s debt. Musicians have also been known to endorse politicians and their messages. In 2008 many popular artists like Common, John Legend, Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, and Beyonce came out and publicly campaigned for Barrack Obama. The support of these “cool” people gave him a voice among a group of people who don’t often vote. Nigerian artist Nneka has openly
musicians
were some of the MOST
DIGNIFIED individuals and were
highly rated - UP THERE with judges, doctors
THE WRITER
and KINGS.
RIGHT: Nneka performs in Nairobi, Kenya on Feb 6, 2012
SONGS
HOT PIX
From Nneka’s Nairobi concert
ABOVE: Bob Geldof, The Beatles, Youssou N’dour & Gidi Gidi Maji Maji
criticized the ruling elite of her country and was very vocal during the Occupy Nigeria protest. Her music is purely made to inspire critical thought against the status quo. In Senegal, Awadi, Daara J, Youssou N’Dour spoke out against former President Wade leading to his being voted out of office. In Kenya, Eric Wainaina has been vocal about the corruption in government with ‘Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo’. In 2001 the rap duo Gidi Gidi Maji Maji became the first group to ever benefit from direct political support when the incoming NARC (National Rainbow Coalition) government used their song ‘Unbwogabble’ as their campaign song. The party won the elections. It could have been euphoria, but
the song did set the pace for their success it means (I Am Unbeatable). Gidi Gidi Maji Maji’s success with a political party opened up many doors for Kenyan politicians to start using artists to endorse their careers. As a matter of social responsibility, it is important that artists get involved in the politics of their countries because it’s their way of showing patriotism and also staying aware of what is happening around them. Musicians should be able to lead the regular citizen towards a thinking that benefits society. There’s nothing wrong with artists being political just as long as they are not doing it at the expense of the fans that make them who they are. ☐
Buddha Blaze is an entertainment journalist, activist and artist manager. As a journalist he was Editor of East Africa’s first entertainment magazine PHAT! He has contributed for Pulse Magazine, Tribe Magazine, Adam, Baobab Connection, AfricaHip-Hop. Com, Kenyan Hip-Hop.Com, Africa Unsigned, Nairobi Up Magazine and many more. He has interviewed a long list of artists local and international - Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, Alpha Blondy, Shaggy just to name a few. His work laid a foundation for African entertainment reporting. As an arts activist, artist manager and event manager he has delivered many successful events such as WAPI all over Africa. Emcee Africa under Spark Africa. His many years in the music business have placed him in the position of a vital authority on all things musical. He is currently co lecturer of contemporary African History the African hip hop section of Trinity College, Connecticut USA. Catch up with Buddha Blaze on his online links:
@itsBuddhaBlaze SparkAfrica buddhablazeworld
Continued from Page 7 Juliani “killed it”. And so did the guys in these photos. These were some of the more “intimate” performances I’ve seen yet. No flashing lights, no curtain raisers, no security and no hype. I liked that they would often stop to give their personal message of peace to the delegates or take questions from the MCs about the mission behind their music...
Clockwise from Top Left: Gospel star Daddy Owen ups the ante, Comedian Eric Omondi gave us the giggles, Pst. Linda Ochola-Adolwa shares her vision, Anne Atambo talks to KWELI
I glance over at Anne Atambo and her friends as we take our seats, they seem to be enjoying themselves. I had been wondering how to tie it all together. How do you cobble together top gospel artists and restless university students with themes like peaceful elections, leadership, social responsibility? I mean the MCs’ jokes and performances were great but now what? How does this translate into getting Anne and her crew to help pull #KE back from the edge and head towards prosperity instead??!! Well, after asking a couple of questions (yes, I was finally working instead of trying to get celebs’ autographs) I learn that Tuvuke -
goes hand in hand with the Hatua course. It’s the brainchild of Pst. Linda Ochola-Adolwa (@LindaAdolwa), the Executive Pastor of Mavuno Church. The Hatua manual she’s authored, and that was given free of charge to each of the Forum’s delegates, introduces you to ordinary people in the Bible’s Old Testament, who provided solutions to the pressing problems of their time. The goal is to get those who experience the manual/program to identify the issue that gets their blood boiling, and then give them the tools they need to go do something about it. Is that “NGO JARGON ALERT” warning flashing in your head again?
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It shouldn’t be. If you’re skeptical about the ability of “old-school”, wait make that “ancient-school” principles, to help sort out the messes you see all around you, then you’ll probably be as moved as I was when living examples of Hatua’s principles were brought up on stage to talk to us. Take a quick look:
ALICE MWONGERA Organization: Morris Moses Foundation
What it does: The Morris Moses Foundation was established in 2009 by Alice Mwongera to advocate for the rights of patients especially in public health facilities.
Impact: Her advocacy has caused various government bodies in the medical services field to take notice of the plight of patients in public hospitals. MMF has also launched an ‘Adopt A Patient’ Program and a ‘Silent No More’ campaign, it also organizes drives to get people registered for NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund). MMF is also in schools, teaching students to choose Medicine for the right reasons. Contacts: info@morrismosesfoundation.org www.morrismosesfoundation.org
I’m going to shred any journalistic objectivity that I had left after the earlier Juliani incident and just say how blown away I was by these people. I’m a professional whiner and one of the things I’ve consistently whined about over the years is the lack of presentday “heroes” in Africa. I’ve met some now. They’re alive (and too busy for whiners like me) in difficult, lonely, broke, depressing circumstances. I find myself wondering if all the sacrifices they’ve made to help, change or stop things is worth it. Hopefully the chap next to me will answer the call to action being made from stage cause
Organization: Mully Children’s Family
What it does: Established in November, 1989, MCF seeks out, rescues and rehabilitates street children by providing a family environment where they can reform and get the necessary skills in order to be independent and become valuable contributors to the communities and largely the country’s economic development.
BONIFACE MWANGI Organization: Picha Mtaani Pawa254
What it does: Picha Mtaani provides a platform for national reflection and building through photo exhibitions of images taken during Kenya’s 2007/2008 post-election violence in areas that recorded high incidences of violence.
Why they do it: Dr. Mulli spent much of his childhood on the streets, and would like to help children break the cycle of poverty, achieve their own life goals and make a positive impact in their immediate communities.
Why they do it: Boniface Mwangi and his team hope that by showcasing the horror Kenyans inflicted on each other, they can steer individuals towards personal reflection, towards a willingness to have honest dialogue, and they also hope to create a space for community healing and reconciliation.
Impact: For the last 20 years, MCF has grown to be one of the largest children’s rescue, rehabilitation and development organizations in Africa. Over 7000 street children have been cared for by MCF. MCF’s kids regularly top national exams, over 100 of them have gone on to university. Dr. Charles Mulli and his wife Esther Mulli have won numerous award and commendations.
Impact: Over 20 mini exhibitions were held between 2010 and 2011. 61,000 individuals have signed pledge cards that commit them to upholding peace and promoting ‘active non-violence’. A ‘Heal the Nation’ documentary was released that chronicles the journey of the Picha Mtaani Project and the launch of their new venture, the Pawa254 creative hub.
Contacts: mcf@mullychildrensfamily.org, www.mullychildrensfamily.org www.mcfcf.org
Contacts: info@pichamtaani.org www.pichamtaani.org @Pawa254
I ain’t quite ready to lay down my dream of owning that Range Rover Sports. But the look in Anne Atambo’s eye is not the fearful one that I’ve got in mine. She’s raring to go. I guess this Hatua thing also helps you get the courage to take responsibility for the problems around you ‘coz all around me people are rising to their feet and shouting “I Believe!”...as in they believe they can do things differently, turn the tide, move mountains, be a hero... So yeah, turns out I got more than I signed up for when I took this assignment - but then again, I knew
tonight was going to be a good night. I was one of the top backbenchers, finger-pointers and armchair critics on the continent before my visit to Unfungamano. Now I’m left wondering what difference my existence will make when all is said and done. If you’re like me, and you don’t like the answer to that question, then you better figure out how to link up with Hatua. It’s boot camp for people who KNOW they want to change their world but don’t know when and where to begin. I’ll go first: “I Believe”! ☐ @KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 9
COMPILED BY QUICKSILVER | WAMUYU KIRAGU
Why they do it: Alice lost her husband and brother in the same year due to negligence and deplorable conditions at a major referral hospital. She learnt she was not alone and set up the NGO to help all patients - regardless of status or income level get timely, quality and compassionate health care.
DR. CHARLES MULLI
#Tuvuke: Tomorrow?! NKT! it’s your TIME and TURN right now!
WATCH THE
‘Heal the Nation’ Documentary
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DARE TO DREAM OF PEACE
IT IS DIFFICULT for a software developer
to pen or rather type out an article on peace and politics mainly because these two areas are riddled with gray areas. SETH MURIITHI WROTE IT SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
IT’S BEEN SAID that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. Peace and politics remain in the realm of perception and one’s level of access to information albeit misinformation or disinformation for that matter. All too often the truth is presented as a sandwich garnished with nuances of lies and deceit. Technology however is factual in nature; an application either delivers or fails to deliver on its promise. No gray areas just absolute truths, facts and numerous figures. Technology is self-evident … politics can be self-defeating. As we approach an election year I find myself reminiscent of a young man breathing deep and sighing even deeper as a Qatar Airways plane touched down at the JKIA in August 2007. We shall call him Moses. His stay in South East Asia was just a few months
shy of four years, he’d missed his friends and family but he wouldn’t miss the daily doses of cynicism and nuances of racism he had silently endured. Moses was home armed with a degree in software development, brimming with dreams and ideas ready to start his company – in his mind’s eye he saw the name of his company and products on billboards, he pictured himself in countless interviews, he could taste the gourmet meals and fine wines his innovative ideas would garner in the way of profits. He would make his family proud just as he had in University; after all his application had won him the South East Asia Dell Techno-preneurship Award. What could possibly go wrong? The mood was different that day. A dull day it was, the clouds gray, shifting and seemingly restless unsure on whether to relent their payload.
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The wind was unusually chilly for a December morning and even as Moses hugged his blazer closer to him, the security guard’s sentiments continued to ring in his ears, haunting for they were dispatched as one would fire a bullet with intent to kill. The security guard had starred at his Identity Card and glared up at him, “Who are you here to see?” he barked. Moses repeated what he’d recited from the main gate to the reception and now standing at the entrance of the corporation’s marketing department, he was running out of
patience. “You know, your tribe has had all the luck, nyinyi mumekula sana!” The security guard’s sentiments were hurled at Moses with intent to warn, hurt and scare but he was accustomed to such sentiments. He remembered how he’d found it odd that the customs lady had actually engaged him and not too kindly when he had landed a couple of months ago, even as he’d tried to educate her on the difference between his tribe and that which she’d branded him with owing to his name. The wind in the roomy, lofty conference room blew harder and colder through the impressive vistas as Moses patiently waited for the marketing team he was to present his rich mobile application to. When it rains it pours. When tragedy strikes it presents itself as a monster, horrible to behold and bent on destruction. Moses woke up to the frantic calls coming from the TV room. His family was gathered
around the television, the mood in the room reeked of fear and foreboding; the sounds and images of riot police officers firing tear gas canisters at erratic crowds of rioters, shops broken into, fires consuming unfortunate business premises in the city and tales of rape, murder, wanton destruction and mayhem from all corners of Kenya. Moses froze, not out of fear, but as one would be mesmerized watching a cauldron boil over spewing its toxic content. All his presentations, demos and prototypes had been put on indefinite hold, his contacts had gone quiet, business opportunities had vaporized and with them him hopes and dreams. All the while the images and sounds from the television continued unabated each news report another horror story to put with the rest, another ironic reminder of his wide smile and sigh of gratification and thanks giving when he touched down at the JKIA a few months ago. He’d dreamt
His
THE WRITER
>
FAMILY was
gathered around the television, the mood in the room REEKED of fear and foreboding...
One day a 12-year-old boy called Seth Muriithi found his siblings enjoying a Christmas present in the form of a 16-bit gaming console called the Sega Mega Drive. The fact that gaming technology actually translated to directly interacting with someone else’s imagination, struck him as the highest form of communication… second only to telepathy. Gaming coupled with a steady diet of his father’s Sci-Fi and fantasy literature birthed a conviction to sojourn into the digital landscape. Seth is now the Founder and Senior Developer of Alcove Media Ltd; a three-year-old software development and creative multimedia start-up based in Nairobi, Kenya. His skill set encompasses multimedia authoring and programming. Seth Muriithi says he believes in the basic tenets of communication - keep it simple, and with technology - always seek to make life easier. Alcove Media continues to trail blaze the Kenyan digital landscape with innovations in rich mobile applications, creative multimedia authoring and business communication solutions like live video streaming, video conferencing and digital signage solutions.
AlcoveKenya Clockwise from Top Left: President Mwai Kibaki, People show their patriotism, Prime Mnister Raila Kibaki addresses a crowd
AlcoveKenya www.alcovekenya.com
@KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 13
There is ONLY ONE Kenya and we are all TIED to its destiny.
Clockwise from Top Left: A modern train awaits commuters, Movie poster for one of the biggest sports movies of all time, A teacher in Burundi shares with his class.
a dream and now that dream was no more. My travels thus far in life have impressed two lessons which I have adhered to and believed in from childhood. Firstly this planet is governed by a collective consciousness much like a network of computers or the internet. This is not a gray area in life rather a simple and brutal fact of life. Secondly we all find ourselves in a system of sorts and are forced for the sake of survival, to find ways of thriving albeit existing in that system. It could be a system which sees to it that all men flourish or one that favors the few, but rarely will we rise up in opposition to it if we can find even a nuance of survivability. If the system is crippling, we simply invent romantic notions which keep us going. If a web developer gives you a sorry excuse for a website but
the developer happens to be your niece, most of us will simply write their inadequacies off as standard operating procedure as opposed to demanding better. There is only one Kenya and we are all tied to its destiny. Granted most of us are victims by way of inheriting a system bent on perpetually dividing us especially by way of ethnicity. Kenyans did not even draw the borders of the country nor did we come together and unanimously choose Kenya as the name of our country but that system cannot be changed. However the lethargic cancer that is division can and must be dealt with. Consider yourself the ‘Moses’ generation paving a way for a Kenya with multiple flourishing urban centers, mono rail trains linking impressive buildings and cities, free education and medical facilities for all and much
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more. We must all dream of a better Kenya yet realize that just like Moses, we may spy the Promised Land, but it is our children and their children who will live and flourish in it. However our immortality lies in how we shall be remembered. A rising tide favors all ships; the wind of change is felt with the same intensity by the lofty oak tree and the lowly grass. However an all-consuming tidal wave of tribalism, violence and mediocrity in governance will sink our individual dreams, hopes and aspirations. In the movie Any Given Sunday Al Pacino warns his Football team, “We either heal as a team or die as individuals.” The same lesson applies to Kenya and indeed all Kenyans. Let peace not be just a trending topic on Twitter or a self-righteous assertion on our part, rather our guiding philosophy as one people and one country. ☐
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WHAT TO
WEAR ? IN SEARCH OF A KENYAN NATIONAL DRESS
THE DEBATE
about a Kenyan national dress is not new. There are historical, religious and tribal implications. In 2004, the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Sports teamed up with Unilever with a competition to find a national dress. BEVERLY LWENYA WROTE IT SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
THE WINNING outfit, however, did not catch on. The tepid search has been on since the 1960s, but the results have been ambivalent at best. But why is this the case? Is a national dress necessary? What will it accomplish? And how does Kenya compare with other African countries in this area? First, some historical context is needed. It is interesting to note that in some African communities, clothing to start, was a foreign concept. What some would consider “nakedness” or “nudity” was actually their custom. Jean Marie Allman notes in her book Fashioning Africa: Power and Politics of Dress, “skins, waistbeads and leaves” were used to cover up, and denote rank, gender and age. These communities, such as the Talensi and Dagara in Ghana, did not produce or weave cloth. Therefore being fully clothed, especially as we deem appropriate today, was
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a non-issue. Another complication in communities like this is their negative association with being fully clothed because of tensions with neighboring communities that were clothed. So when discussions of national dress in Africa are had, it is hard to ignore historical input. In Kenya there is a history of weaving and cloth production. However it varies greatly from community and region. We also have the same “nakedness” debate as well as issues with colonial impositions of what constitutes “civilized” dress. According to Jean Alluman, “Clothing served as a barometer of success or failure of the British “civilizing mission”. In our modern day, it seems that there isn’t so much as a societal but a generational divide on national dress. My brief and non-scientific polling of some Kenyan working women, yielded interesting results. They highlight the
‘...my African wear reflects rich African culture, VALUES and PRINCIPLES. How we dress reflects our values and what we take
PRIDE in.’
STYLE UP
Kenya’s Hunt for a National Dress
Snapped at The Nairobi Fashion Market on Oct 8 2011 by SHARP SHOOTER| MWANGI KIRUBI
TOWANI CLARKE Photo by Simon Deiner
@KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 17
‘Imagine how cool it would be to have an outfit made in Kenya, BY KENYANS, using Kenyan bred designs.’
generational divide on the issue that seems to be going unnoticed. The concern in regards to a national dress is where do you wear it? In what settings do Kenyans dress up? Usually this would be at a special ceremony like a wedding, funeral or evening party. Also, business attire, since most people spend the bulk of their time at the office. This brings into question whether or not it is appropriate to wear African style clothing to the office, especially in a corporate setting. So I asked the women, if they would wear a kitenge or “African” style suit to the office, a wedding or a party. Cate who works at a major Kenyan bank said, “Yep definitely. I don’t generally like the designs for kitenge outfits they look old and are traditionally worn by the older generation and young people who would be considered ‘un-stylish’ but if the same fabric was to be designed in a modern and classy way, am sure a
lot people would adopt it with pride”. Annette who works in a law office said “Definitely. But I should understand that my African wear reflects rich African culture, values and principles. How we dress reflects our values and what we take pride in.” Cate agrees, “The problem with Kenyans is that we don’t take pride in who we are, and what we can do. We’re always looking beyond our borders. Imagine how cool it would be to have an outfit made in Kenya, by Kenyans, using Kenyan bred designs. I’d wear that outfit proudly...but it has to be trendy”. Ciru, on the other hand works in Parliament and says, she would only wear something kitenge styled for a wedding or an African themed party, and that wearing it to work would be too “flamboyant”. So perhaps the reason the national dress did not “take”, is that there are certain perceptions that exist as to what it means to wear “African”. The
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wearer is conveying a certain image and message. Indeed, clothing is one of the easiest forms of expression. When we look at other African countries, we see varying results. For instance, Zambia does not have a national dress as well. During the Independence Ceremony President Kenneth Kaunda wore a toga-like wrap, over what became known as the “Kaunda” in neighboring regions which refers to a “safari suit”. The wraps the leaders wore were usually imported from London. Rwanda does have a national dress the, Mishanana and Ethiopia has the woven cotton Kemis. However, in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Uganda there is actually no national dress, contrary to what most people think. What we view as their national dress is not official and actually belong to particular tribes. Which brings the question, is tribal consensus necessary? With our 42
tribes, could we embrace the Maasai inspired design? Or a Swahili inspired design? There is also the question of people different faiths who would not wear anything outside of their religious constraints, but still consider themselves very much Kenyan. How do we incorporate their sensitivities? There seems to exist a chasm between wanting to have an outfit that represents Kenya or to show your African pride, even to support local designers, and not wanting to look flashy and out of step with global fashion trends. Steph a lawyer says, “Women’s African style inspired clothing is lovely, feminine and chique. That said, I’m not a fan of all African style clothing, particularly the Kitenge! I find the locally available prints uninspiring and ageing, more suited to the mature woman aka “mathe” [Swahili slang for “Mother”]. However there are some regionally and internationally marketed Kitenge that are vibrant, modern and appealing. I only see those in magazines though, never in the shops!” What seems clear is that what is being offered is not appealing. How can we as a nation support local designers and still be free to wear Western clothing? After 60+ years, is Western style clothing still “Western” or is it now part of Kenyan identity. What if a Kenyan look was a black suit with high heels and a beaded necklace? Or jeans and a T-shirt with the Kenyan flag on it? Does it have to be made in Africa? Many fabrics that are considered African are actually imported from Holland and England. Maybe it is just color, pattern and material that count? What to wear indeed. The Japanese have the Kimono, Scots have the kilt, Indians have the sari, but many other countries don’t have a national dress. Perhaps for Kenya it is simply a work in progress. ☐
THE WRITER The Afropolitan Shop is an online boutique by Beverly Lwenya, a Kenyan-American with a desire to tell an African Design Story. It began as a blog in 2007 called The Afropolitan Network, which highlighted stories and images of what black people from all the continents were doing in the Diaspora. The hobby grew into a passion and now a fulltime pursuit. Beverly aims to celebrate African designers and artisans for their prolific and imaginative handiwork while giving them access to the global market. The Afropolitan Shop merges African products and creativity with the Afropolitan experience of Africans all over the globe. Afropolitan is a fusion of the words “African” and “Cosmopolitan”. It is a sensibility, a culture and a worldview. Shop Afropolitan and look Afro-Chic!
@afropolitanshop theafropolitanshop
www.theafropolitanshop.com
| ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 19 www.theafropolitanshop.com @KWELIMedia
LAND my
is
Masai Mara
SHARP SHOOTER | MWANGI KIRUBI WROTE IT AND SNAPPED ‘EM
GROWING UP in Nairobi in the eighties, I looked forward to traveling up country on select weekends. It was a cherished chance to get away from familiar city life and see what Kenya was like outside Nairobi.
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THE WRITER What started as a hobby in 2004 has grown into more than just a career. Today, I realize the wrong perception the Western world has about Africa - the dark, begging continent - is because they are the ones telling the stories. I have a huge part to play in changing how the rest of the world sees Africa through the photos I take. I am rebranding Africa, one click at a time. My photography is more than a means to earn a living… it is God’s purpose for my life… it is my act of worship
For more of Mwangi Kirubi: @Mwarv mwarv.click.co.ke mwarv@click.co.ke
www.click.co.ke
DAD WOULD pack my brother, sisters and I in the back of his white Toyota station wagon and we’d set off on an exciting trip to shaggz as Roger Whittaker’s ‘Musical Safari’ provided the perfect soundtrack. In ‘My Land is Kenya’, Roger sings; You only got one mama You only got one pa You only got one life to live No matter who you are You can go the whole world over Every city has its dawn
But everybody liveth has one place where he was born And mine is Kenya, so warm and wild and free You’ll always stay with me LISTEN here in my heart to ‘My Land My land is Kenya, right from is Kenya’ your highlands to the sea You’ll always stay with me here in my heart, here in my heart. Roger Whittaker appreciated Kenya’s beauty and sang about it in a way that made me believe there’s no country as
beautiful as ours. And dad played along, never skipping a beat to point out landmarks that lay on and off the winding road to shaggz. Over the last few years, I’ve gathered evidence of Kenya’s beauty with mixed success. Mixed because no lens can aptly capture the breathtaking landscapes God has blessed us with - none but your eyes. These are pictures of my warm, wild and free home. I invite you to see more of it. > @KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 21
TOP of
KIRUBI 11 | MWANGI
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ADJACENT PAGE: Top to Bottom: Lake Nakuru from Baboon Cliff, Lake Naivasha Sunrise
THIS PAGE: Clockwise from Right: Sunrise over Masai Mara, Lake Elementaita, Unidentified bird at Lake Baringo, Amboseli elephants, Amboseli giraffe.
@KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 23
www.clic PH OT OG R A P H Y F OR P U B LI C AT I O N S • W E D
snap@click.co.ke • +254 722 701 852 24 KWELI | ISSUE 13 | MAY 2012 | www.kwelimedia.com
ck.co.ke DI N GS • FE AT U R ES • C O R P OR AT E EVENTS • +254 722 100 123 • +254 722 952 221 @KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 25
ON LIN E P U B L I S H I NG • VI DE O P RODU CTI ON • GRAP HI C D E SIGN P HO T O G R A P H Y • E V E NT COV E RAGE • M U LTI M E DI A CON TE N T U N D E R T H E B AO B A B P R O D U C T I O N S LT D .
letsmeet@underthebaobab.net • +254 719 803 203 26 KWELI | ISSUE 13 | MAY 2012 | www.kwelimedia.com
LOAD UP on
CREATIVITY FOR
2013!
violence |ˈvī(ə)ləns|
noun
behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. • strength of emotion or an unpleasant or destructive natural force: the violence of her own feelings. • the unlawful exercise of physical force or intimidation by the exhibition of such force. THE NEW OXFORD AMERICAN DICTIONARY
DESIGN JOCKEY | VIKKI KEINGATI WROTE IT
I’VE NEVER understood it. Maybe I’m just sheltered or naive, but why “hurt, damage, or kill someone or something” when there are so many other less destructive alternatives - no matter how angry you are? The KWELI Media Network is built on the use of creative skills to express our views on the world around us, whether it’s politics, faith, relationships, entertainment, sports, social issues... We try to encourage as many of those who visit our pages and sites to let out their frustration, joy, analysis, criticisms and suggestions in the same way. Write about it, paint it, sing about it, wear it, rap it...these forms of expression dig deeper, last longer and hit harder than your fist. We recently ran a campaign calling for as many Kenyan digital artists as we could get to submit their work for publication in this issue. Take a minute to look through these pieces and enjoy the creativity on display here. Its a littleknown and appreciated art form in our country, but it’s just another sign of the millions of bloodless ways we can say what we need to say...
>
@KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 27
BENSON WAWERU WANJAMA DJ KAFI This was supposed to be for self promotion for Dj Kafi of homeboyz radios hottest. Inspired by his passion for music. That boy is fire... For more of Benson Waweru Wanjama: www
www.lmd.co.ke
+254 723 529 332
RICHARD NDERITU ABOUT TO BLOW The is in recognition to all the young and talented people who are working hard towards their dream and are about to have their big shot into the big leagues, all the young entrepreneurs who are doing their own unique thing and are about to make it big...This one is for those who are about to blow!
AME DO SO MUCH 4 ME The artwork was inspired by Michele’s song by the same title. I did it in appreciation for all the many great things God has done in my life.
For more of Richard Nderitu: behance.net/engraffis +254 734 703303 rm.nderitu@gmail.com
JULIUS NG’ANG’A (SHAMIR) THE DIFFERENCE There has always been a difference in life, whether challenges, hardship, success etc... The artwork portrays the difference between people and our country itself, the understanding can come out in different ways depending on what one has gone through and the situations at hand. For more of Julius Ng’ang’a (Shamir) +254 710 440 476
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KEVIN KARANJA NO SAD BIRTHDAY “W4l4-w4z00” came by again to help me wish a good friend A Happy Birthday. I wanted to make something touching and unique and also deviously cute! Modelled,rigged,rendered and processed (Post Work) to that effect.
For more of Kevin Karanja: kevinkarash @drunkenmosquito Portfolio: http://bit.ly/rfoliov3
THOMAS MBURU ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES I’m a Kenyan graphic artist, known for my often vector inspired patterns, prints and wall posters. I’ve been inspired by fellow artists and photographers to become what I’m today. For more of Thomas Mburu: tmwamuhu@gmail.com
www
www.thomasmburu.com
CLEMENT MWANGI NAIROBI 2012 I got this inspiration after the launch of the movie 2012.
For more of Clement Mwangi: clement.mwangi@gmail.com
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JOSEPH MAGANGA EMMANUEL NYAKWADA THE STARLIGHTERS A team of kid heroes from the Nairobi Primary School who were assembled to fight the evil Teenager RED MERCURY. Alien being who landed on earth as a result of a failed experiment by the KENYA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE as they were trying to generate direct solar power.
For more of Emmanuel Nyakwada:
blank.1985@gmail.com
ANGEL ‘CITY-COUNTRYSIDE SILHOUETTE’ PORTRAIT The number of people living in urban areas outnumbers those living in rural areas for the first time in history. I thought it would be interesting to use a portrait of this ‘angel’ combined with a skyscraper 3D model coupled with a countryside painting to bring out this phenomena.
For more of Joseph Maganga:
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redzonedesigns
+254 724 454 588
joe_maganga@yahoo.com
KIBOKO HACHIYON HUFF & PUFF ILLUSTRATED The work was created as a response to the video Huff & Puff by Just A Band. I am inspired by characters and much of my work is character based. After seeing the variety of the characters featured on the video, I wanted to interpret them in my own style while trying to stay true to the spirit and aesthetic of the original visuals.
For more of Kiboko Hachiyon http://84thdreamchild.wordpress.com/ kiboko_84@hotmail.co.uk Portfolio: http://kibokohachiyon.tumblr.com/
ANTHONY WAKASIAKA
A LITTLE BOY’S DREAMS There are 4 concepts to this project, INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY, PASSION & TYPOGRAPHY. The wallpaper should portray a vision of a little boy’s dreams of what he wants to become in future. The project was motivated by my graphic design motto; INSPIRE CREATIVITY. I designed it including the dreams and aspirations I had when I was a little boy. For more of Anthony Wakasiaka: Wan Designs
+254 725 148 907
antwanwaka@gmail.com
THINKING ABOUT the upcoming elections brings on a flood of mixed feelings. Some are preparing for vengeance, some are preparing to flee, some are preparing to hide and others are prepared to stand for what is right and just. In the end, whichever group you are in, we are all seeking the same thing.
PENDO LA MAMA WROTE IT AND SNAPPED ‘EM
WE WANT the freedom to move about and conduct our lives and businesses without being harassed for kitu kidogo and chai. We want a government that is for the people, not just the few and their pockets. We want prosperity for all, cheaper electricity, better water supply systems, we want to eliminate unga, sugar and milk shortages for good; we want fuel prices to remain low and steady; we want solutions to the drought problems in the north and for the IDPs to finally be settled in a permanent home. We want a country where justice prevails. We
want all this and more. We want many things, yet we all want the same thing. It is the one thread that weaves through all of us, tagging at our hearts. All the things we say we want lead to the same thing. What is it? It’s the thread of peace and progress. We seek after it in strange ways though. We kill, we steal, and we lie and cheat. It’s a selfish way to seek progress; and there is no peace in it. About two months ago I looked up the word ubuntu. I have been hearing about the Linux operating system for
UGALI SUKUMA WIKI AND THE ELECTIONS
a few years and I suddenly became curious about the word itself. What does it mean and what are its origins? I was pleasantly surprised. The word originates from Bantu languages in Southern Africa, it is described as an “Africa philosophy or worldview.” I must confess, after reading the Wikipedia entry I didn’t do anymore research so there may be other definitions out there. Here are two of the ones listed on Wikipedia: "I am what I am because of who we all are." — From a translation offered by Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee. “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based on a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.” — Definition offered by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his book No Future Without Forgiveness published in 1999. It’s a simple and powerful idea. I say it’s a good idea; it knocks at the door of peace and paves the way for progress; the thing we all are seeking. If you think about it for 15 seconds
you’ll get an adrenalin rush, the kind that makes you feel ready to conquer anything. Your mind will race with possibilities; it’s like swimming in a soup of success. After 45 seconds it will occur to you that other people have to be involved, and for the next 10 seconds you’ll be telling yourself it’s still possible as you rehash the possibilities. At the 55-second mark you’ll ask yourself how and the hurdles will start popping up from every direction. At the 60-second mark despair sets in, followed by 15 seconds of blank. Then you pack away the hope and go back to life as usual. Thankfully hope never dies, nor does it disappoint. The question is when? When will that 30 seconds of possibilities become palpable reality? I don’t know. You are about to ask, “So what’s the point? What does all this have to do with ugali and sukuma?” It’s about coming together as one Nation. If we are all ultimately seeking the same thing, then we could focus on the things that bring us together. We could vote as a nation in favour of the things that will bring peace and progress to all. Have you noticed how we move in unison when food is involved? Whether it’s a party at the office or a
family gathering, it doesn’t take very long for the menu to be put together. People volunteer to make dishes and to buy drinks or bring dessert. Those meals are awesome! Just imagine for a minute, what it would mean, for the aftermath of an election to be awesome. In short, this country is what it is because of who we are and what we do. So we know how to change it already. We just have to do it. Like that office gathering or family meal, let’s just do it. Yes, there will be opposition and difficulties to face. Does that mean don’t start until there isn’t any? When is that? Lets begin with the things that we agree on, like ugali and sukuma. I haven’t met anyone (yet) that doesn’t like it or has never had it. I think it’s safe to say it qualifies as a National meal. We may cook and serve it in a variety of ways but we all like it. While you think about your position in the upcoming elections, here are some sukuma recipes to enjoy. >
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RECIPES FOR
SUKUMA WIKI
BASIC SUKUMA RECIPE
This is how nearly all the people I’ve spoken to make their sukuma most of the time. Everyone has something different they do to add to the flavour but this is their basic everyday recipe.
Ingredients
Yes, I know. Sounds outrageous! But it tastes good!
Ingredients
2 onions chopped 2 tomatoes chopped Sukuma, washed and cut 1. On medium heat, fry the onions in some cooking oil until they soften. 2. Then add the tomatoes and half a teaspoon of salt. 3. Once the tomatoes start to soften, add the cut sukuma, stir and cover. 4. After one minute, stir the sukuma again, and cover for another two minutes. 5. Taste for salt and let it continue to cook for another minute or so. 6. Sukuma doesn’t need to cook for long; most women say not more than 5 minutes. They prefer it lightly
SUKUMA WITH BUTTERNUT
softened. If it becomes a dark forest green then you’ve overcooked it. 7. Take it off the fire and serve with ugali of your choice.
Serving Tip: Serve with ugali made from grade 2 (unrefined) flour.
Variation/Tip: Include 2 crushed cloves of garlic in the pot with the onions to add a different note to the flavour. Watch closely, do not to let the garlic burn because it will add a bitter taste.
Special thanks to Cecilia wa August, Nellie wa Japheth, Melissa wa Declan, Wanjiru wa Sammy, Velma wa Mark and Diana wa Alfred for their input and support.
2 onions chopped 1 cup grated butternut 4 cloves of garlic grated Sukuma, washed and cut 1. On medium heat, fry the onions and garlic in some cooking oil until the onions soften. Do not allow the garlic to brown. 2. Then add in the grated butternut with a quarter cup of water. Stir and cover but watch closely, do not let it dry or brown. Add a bit of water or reduce the fire if you need to. 3. Once the butternut softens (it will look almost like baby food),
MIXED AND CURRIED SUKUMA
I hadn’t tried this till recently. I’ve been trying out curry with different things and this is one that turned out well.
Ingredients 2 chopped onions 2 chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon of grated or crushed ginger add a teaspoon of salt, stir, and then add the cut sukuma. 4. Stir till it’s mixed well, then cover and let it cook for two minutes. Then stir again and taste for salt. 5. After three more minutes it should be done. 6. Serve with ugali of your choice
Serving Tip: Serve with brown
3 cloves of grated garlic 2 heaped teaspoons of curry powder Pumpkin leaves Sukuma, washed, cut and blanched (the ratio I use is one part pumpkin leaves to two parts sukuma)
1. On medium heat, fry the onions, garlic, ginger and curry powder in some oil till the onions begin to soften. 2. Add the chopped tomatoes, stir and cover for about a minute. 3. Add a teaspoon of salt, stir. 4. Add the blanched vegetables, stir and cover for a minute.
5. Stir again and continue to cook for two to three more minutes 6. Taste for salt 7. Serve with ugali of your choice and a side of avocado
Serving Tip: Serve with ugali made from grade 1 (refined) flour.
ugali made from wimbi mix (maize, sorghum, millet and wheat).
@pendolamama | jikoni@pendolamama.co.ke | www.pendolamama.co.ke
@KWELIMedia | ISSUE 13 | MAY 12 39
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