Nneka occupies Nairobi!

The celebrated song writer, musician and activist Nneka was in Nairobi as part of her itinerary to Sauti za Busara festival that is taking place from February 12, 2012 in Zanzibar.  Nneka is in her first tour of this region (East Africa) courtesy of Goethe Institut. Prior to the buzz on her tour to this region most of us including me did not know anything about this song bird.  So I did the usual background check that is customary and checked her music on YouTube which was tantalizing. So when blaze put word out there of her press conference I was curious to find out more about Nneka and boy I was not disappointed.

Press Conference

In Kenya press conferences are synonymous with politics because we tend to have more than a fare share of them! So when artists call for press conferences it is usually a by the way for most mainstream media in Kenya. However this was not the case with Nneka. Her press conference which was at a Nairobi Hotel was well attended and it was great to note the entertainment ecosystem has grown. Major media houses Capital fm, KBC, K24 and standard group to name but a few were present. Also, a few bloggers were present so was international media i.e. German press!

Nneka was on location backed up by one of his band member to take questions from the press. Also, present was the Goethe Institut director Johannes and event promoter Blaze.

Nneka addressed questions from the floor most of which were to do with music but at the end of the press conference tinkered on the occupy movement! Her answers to this questions contained lots of philosophy and deep meaning. Some of the few snippets I took home with me were;

·        The reason she is in music. “I am unstable human being and music to me is a shrine”. Nneka

·        On her 2^nd album No Longer At Ease (2008). This album was based on what she was feeling at that time and was not based on Chinua Achebe’s renowned book by the same title. It addresses the story of her life and since she grew up in the Delta region of Nigeria it captures issues of oil and exploitation.

·        On her first impressions of New York (USA). It is a concrete jungle and she was taking the jungle into the concrete!

One of the things I did not know about Nneka was that she was involved in the recent occupy movement in Nigeria. In Nigeria I only know of Fela Kuti’s son involvement in this movement and internationally Lupe Fiasco but I was nevertheless surprised of her participation given that many regard her first as an activist, and then as a musician.

So at end of the press conference she gave us advice on how to we can make our own occupy movement successful!

The Concert

The climax of Nneka’s visit in Nairobi was a concert at Tree House on February 4, 2012. As is always the norm one of our home grown talent benga maestro Dan Chizi Aceda curtain raised the concert. The concert started on time and was full house.

Nneka showcased to Nairobi audience why she is considered a powerful vocalist and her concert was the best so far this year.

Other Highlights

While Nneka was in town she visited our very own best Eric wainaina and I am waiting to hear ‘what if any’ collaboration they came up with. 

David Stopps Public Lecture Series Kenya

 Opening Remarks by the PS Trade

It is a pleasure to be here this morning. I appreciate the opportunity to take part in the official opening of this public lecture series aimed at equipping young people who are starting business in the creative sector with advanced business principles and skills. The Government recognizes the young peoples potential in identifying business/investments opportunities. We are told that talent creates its own opportunities, however at times it seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents too.

Small enterprises can be a seed bed for new ideas and a testing ground for new ways of working. They often lead to the way in new products and new services. The enterprises contribute significantly in creating self employment. Employment creation is a necessary component of economic recovery and performance, and small enterprises play an important role in this regard.

I want to pay tribute to the work and achievements of the British Council in the organisation of the lecture series which will certainly improve the young peoples potential in identifying business opportunities to generate income.

As you know, globalization, technological innovation, and increased reliance on outsourcing are exerting pressure for downsizing in private and public sector enterprises. This is rendering many people jobless and putting pressure for building new set of skills in the knowledge based economy.

I am aware of the challenges that the youth who have ventured in business face, including: Unfavorable policy environment, limited access to markets, limited access to finance, inadequate access to skills and technology, limited access to information, inadequate enterprise management skills, limited linkages with large enterprises among others.

To manage these challenges, we need to work together to come up with specific interventions that will ensure youth enterprises perform and graduate to medium and large enterprises.

At this juncture, let me talk on the catalytic role my Ministry plays in trade development, poverty reduction and wealth creation within the ambit of the Kenya Vision 2030. In this regard, the wholesale and retail trade has been identified as one of the key sectors in the economic development of Kenya as the sector is the link between production and consumption.

As you know, most of the employment in trade s found in the informal sector represented mainly in the Micro and Small Enterprises. My ministry's challenge, therefore, is to mainstream the informal sector by providing it with the support it currently lacks: secure business location, credit, training, and access to markets. The Ministry employs specific strategies to; improve the general business environment, strengthen the capacity of the informal enterprises operators, enhance the supply chain systems, enhance business management skills, and improve information access dissemination.

The ministry is in particular sensitizing the youth and the business community on the benefits arising from the integration of the East Africa Countries (EAC).

This will enhance the possibilities of achieving advantages of economies of scale and scope and use of resources and markets available-goods, services, skills, capital and related factors of production-in the enlarged single economic space. This would include any type of busiesses in another Member state whatever the structure of the business-family-owned or corporate.

The Ministry is in the process of establishing business solutions and information centers which are structured to be a one-stop shop for an integrated mix of business services for youth taking up self-employment within the MSE sector and other existing MSEs throughout the country thus catalyzing employment creation and economic growth in the rural ares. The centers will offer, among others, the service of; Information Systems on Markets, Investment and Technology, Identification of Potential Business opportunities and profiling, Business Skills and entrepreneurship Development, Development of incubation support for micro and small enterprises, access to financial services, Technology Research and Transfer, Development of Rural markets and Linkages and Provision of Busiess Service Facilities

These services will greatly enhance the livelihood of the youth and local communities as the centers that will contribute to the stimulation and growth of micro and small enterprises in these areas

The ministry is also enhancing the investment environment to attract financing and offer incentives in the needed fields e.g. technology and information and Communication Technology (ICT). By doing so this will encourage the competitiveness of SMEs, promote the establishment of support agencies including entrepreneurial centers, address the need to access training and education in, for example, entrepreneurial competence and business management, encourage financial institutions to provide appropriate and innovative financing instruments, promote innovation within the small enterprise sector.

I note with appreciation the Creative Enterprise Public Lecture series initiative will go a long way in changing the mindsets of our youth and transform them from a dependent to self-reliant individuals.

In conclusion, I once again thank the British Council profoundly for this initiative and we hope this will be cascaded to as many youth as possible and in different areas of creative arts entrepreneurship.

With these remarks, it is my pleasure to declare the Creative enterprise Public Lecture series officially open.

Thank you.

ICC Confirmation Hearings

The ICC confirmation hearings taking place in the month of September as usual got most of the country glued to The Hague. The national discourse was ICC confirmation hearings and this was made possible by the media. The main TV stations NTV, KTN, K24 Citizen TV and K24 disrupted the normal programme schedule to broadcast the ICC confirmation hearings. The newspapers were a splash with what or what did not happen at The Hague and the radio was also full of the confirmation hearings

This spotlight of Hague was there despite some calamities taking place in Nairobi (pipeline explosion) and accidents taking place in the country.

However, for me this time round I watched the debate unfold on social media sites twitter however, during the evening I was able to watch a few of the first bunch of confirmation hearings which involved MP’s Ruto, Kosgey and Journalist Sang.

The second bunch of confirmation hearing attracted my attention because the Finance Minister was going to testify as his own witness and I looked forward to see the ‘battle royal’ as it had been called in the media between the prosecutor L. M. Ocampo and the Finance Minister. In fact Gado the Daily Nation cartoonist had painted Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta in gloves ready to ‘engage’ the prosecutor!

I missed this ‘confrontation’ because an event popped up that I had to attend at the iHub. Nevertheless, I was able to see a read and see what happened in the news. It had been billed as a risky move by the Finance Minister but going by what I observed and comments made by persons is that the gamble by Finance Minister paid off.

Observations

Finance Ministers counsel was damn good. During the initial appearance there was backlash on twitter as to why the Finance Minister was engaging the services of foreigners yet in Kenya we have good lawyers. However, during the confirmation hearing I was able to see the smart move taken by the Finance Minister.

There was a huge contingent of media personalities composed of all the anchors of stations in Kenya (worthwhile to mention Jeff Koinange of K24 who even had an exclusive with the prosecutor!) who went to The Hague.

There were PR practitioners for Mr. Uhuru and bloggers among his contingent.

From the court perspective, the presiding judge was tough and fair as usual. The witness lawyer was also very good.

Back Home

The week the finance minister was on the doc I noticed some graffiti on some walls showing solidarity with the finance minister. So what is unique with this graffiti is that it has the Obama hope signature in it. It is worthwhile to note that though I do not know who was behind it. This is definitely done by young people. This I think goes to show that the Finance Minister has some fanatical following in some quarters.

Next to the Museum

In town at a matatu Station

In town at a matatu terminus

Suggested links
http://www.icckenya.org/
http://www.dennisitumbi.com/ (this might have a perspective that leans towards UK)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw4JbEud4bU&feature=related (Humor video on O'campo 6)

The Lord Mayor of London and Smart Diplomacy

The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Michael Bear was in town and had a series of meetings and concerts running from September 9-10, 2011 in various locations. His visit to Kenya was not for pleasure and NOT exclusively for business but for both!

Smart Diplomacy

In what is currently dominating the Western world, soft power as opposed to hard power is now being practiced. Smart power is a theory that has been espoused recently where nations combine both hard and soft power. In the foreign policy magazine/website the multi-literalist has observed correctly that Europeans are good at using soft power and has attributed this to the European Union. Under the EU treaty EU member states come together and negotiate policies and decisions. So this it is believed has made Europeans better diplomats who appreciate the aspect of understanding other people’s culture and points of view.

The Lord Mayor Alderman appreciates culture and has a strategy for his mayoral year which he calls ‘cultural diplomacy’. He is using this strategy to support the city of London and its global agenda. Under this strategy he has partnered with Concordia Foundation.

Concerts all over the World

Concordia Foundation is expected to present concerts for the Lord Mayor in Britain and during his international visits some of which include Vietnam, China and Kenya.

I was invited to the concert at the BHC residence on Saturday September 10, 2011 and was delighted by the evening performances.

The evening had performances from our very own Moipei sisters, Rishabh & Akshay Sevak and Concordia Artists Satoko Fukuda, Couple Gareth McLearnon & Abigail Burrows and Jeremy Silver who was perfect on the piano. Gillian Humphreys founder and artist director of Concordia Foundation also gave a performance for the evening.

After the evening performance I had a rare chat with the Lord Mayor and we talked among many things his root with Kenya and football. The Lord Mayor was born in Kenya and is an Arsenal Fan. At the time of the meeting Arsenal was not at their best and the Lord Mayor was as is any other football fan sticking with his team ‘for the better or for the bad times’. I on the other hand am a Manchester United fan! Going by the Kenyan standards there are some ‘rivalry’ between Manchester United and Arsenal as opposed to Manchester United and Liverpool that exists in UK.

Duties of a Lord Mayor

So during my encounter with the Lord Mayor I came to learn a few things. One was the difference between the Mayor and the Lord Mayor. Most of us had gone there expecting to see the mayor.

In terms of duties the Lord Mayor made the differences of these two offices crystal clear. The Lord Mayor makes the money and the London mayor spends it!   

The office of the Lord Mayor is an elected post which one holds for one year. The Lord Mayor is head of City of London Corporation. Among his many duties he is expected to travel extensively in liaison with FCO (Foreign Commonwealth Office their Ministry of Foreign Affairs) hence he had a reception at BHC residence. 

From this travels he is expected to foster goodwill and boost British trade, particularly the markets and services of the city. The city of London has a vibrant capital markets and for those following the current impasse of the Euro (which UK is not a member) and debt crisis facing Greece and other periphery nations of the EU will understand that Germany and France have been playing a key role. 

The city of London is the financial power house of Europe (home of global capital) and most of the off shore banking in Switzerland is usually done from London.

The Lord Mayor and his Appeal

The Lord mayor Alderman Michael Bear has an appeal which is called ‘Bear Necessities’. His appeal is aimed at helping children in London access education and have greater life opportunities and at supporting international disaster relief.

The Winds from Beijing

The Chinese community in Nairobi had a rare concert/Performance on September 8, 2011 at the University of Nairobi Taifa Hall.  The performance was aptly titled ‘The wind from Dunhuang’ and was performed under the auspices of Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which China in cooperates a culture aspect of engagement with Africa.

So under this auspices China has a Chinese Culture in Focus 2011 calendar of events in which it organizes exhibitions, performances, concerts, operas, kite flying and Chinese book fairs in countries where it has a presence in Africa. Some of these countries are Mauritius, Tanzania, Seychelles, Gabon, Burundi, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Senegal, South Africa and Kenya.

The last two countries South Africa and Kenya experiencing a lot of contact and spotlight from Beijing now that Egypt the seat of FOCAC  is undergoing some turbulent times as a result of the Arab Spring/Uprising.

The Event

The event was set up at the Nairobi University grounds which houses the Confucius Institute and has been very cordial to China under Prof. Magoha’s tenure.

The performance was an evening event and by 7.30 the hall was half full of Chinese living in Kenya (Some of the with Jackets with the logo of Wu Yi a Chinese company constructing Thika road) and few students (some Chinese students) and other students at the University who out of curiosity wanted to see what was happening in the hall.

A table with red piece of cloth was set for the dignitaries at the front (Chinese ambassador to Kenya and other dignitaries accompanying the troupe on its tour of African countries).

The Performance

The performance started at 8pm and we were treated to some great performances on this evening. A dance: Raise your bridal veil kicked off the evening with Chinese drums playing in the background. Mind you the evening performances were done with a playback on the background. There after a female solo: A glass of good wine was performed by one of the MC’s.

Tibet

We were also given a folk dance number from Tibet: The Love Song of Kangding and boy that dance was perfectly executed. This showcased the liveness and kind of shyness of Tibetan girls and later we were treated to a male group dance-the happy Tibetans (Political undertones?)

Mongol

Showcasing the diversity of China we were treated to a play of Matouqin. A Mongol string musical instrument with two aptly titled performances; A thousand horses are galloping ahead and sing a spring song in pasture

Acrobatic Shows

Also on the menu from China was an acrobatic show which was good and a unique skill in Sichuan opera-Changing Faces which great.

Friends, Partners & Brothers

Just as we have a book by Elizabeth Gilbert with the philosophy of eat, pray and love. The philosophy or the mantra that Beijing is sending out to Africa was out there to be showcased.

The evening ended with these words ‘Friends Partner Brother’ in a banner. This is the message that Beijing is sending out to Africa.

Now I am looking forward to Embrace China-Performance and visit by Chinese Arts Troupe and Chinese Book Fair.

The Return of China to Africa

Dan Large’s book The Return of China to Africa is a worthwhile read to understand the China-Africa Geopolitics.

Exhibition: Recent Paintings by Michael Soi

The current exhibition at the French Cultural Centre running until the end of this month (September 2011) caught my eye first because of what it addressees (strip joints in Nairobi which are hardly talked about) and also because it contains some salient political undertones such as the issue of payment of taxes by our legislatures, the G7 alliance and the ‘nutty professor series’ which addresses the free primary education (FPE) scum.

Sports

Michael addresses international issues in sports such as the debate currently ongoing in France to have more white players playing for the Le Blue (the French National team). A rather bold piece if you look at the space where he is exhibiting (French space)!

Gor Mahia one of the teams which plays in the National Football league also features in the exhibition and so does Arsenal Football Club. Perhaps this is a reflection to the teams Soi supports.

Politics

The current works of Soi also address the current happening in the field of politics both in Kenya with a depiction of the G7 Alliance in the classical way Soi does it on canvas. Depicting politicians as with heads of cats and not wearing any trousers!

The geopolitics in Africa especially what is going on in Libya are addresses with a depiction of the 18^th African heads of states session on Libya which watches as Gaddafi is hanged by outside forces (EU, NATO and USA).

The ICC process and court proceeding at the Hague have also been highlighted in canvas.

Corruption

The ‘nutty professor series’ which highlights the professors heading the Ministry of Education in a whole new light you could possibly imagine is also on display. In fact this is the series that got me knowing about Soi. He had this series on display sometimes back at RaMoMa.

Strip Clubs

So this is the boldest piece of this exhibition and it showcases what happens in some joints in Nairobi when darkness falls. So as I understood it from a dialogue I had with Soi the ‘strip club series’ sheds light on the patrons who frequent this spaces 

Kuona Open Day

 I had an encounter with Michael in Naivasha during the Kuona Open day (as the exhibition clearly states he is a second generation artists from Kuona Art Gallery). This was like 2 weeks before he set up his exhibition at the French Cultural Centre (FCC).  He explained to me the thinking behind his works and also I came to know some of his collector’s esp. the ‘nutty professor series’.

Constitution Implementation Fathers

The US citizens have enormous respect for their founding fathers for the foresight and the vision they had when they founded their republic. One thing comes to mind when I read the history of US is the process of writing the declaration of independence. The base upon which US laws are based upon.

In Kenya we had a great Constitution Commission of Kenya which bequeathed us a new constitution and in their wisdom and foresight they created a Constitution Implementation Commission. The also went ahead to make sure that none of the commissioners in CCK would sit in this commission. At first I thought we would not find able bodied Kenyan’s to fit into these commissions.

Enter Charles Nyachae & his Commission

However, I was proved wrong. The constituted 8 member constitution commission has been a representation of the new Kenya. It has stood its ground on enactment of new legislations sometimes coming at odds with legislatures, hawk eyed on the time schedules spelt out in the constitution and vocal on the need to implement the letter and spirit of new law.

The commission chairman has moved out of his way to always stick out his head when key issues that are incidental to implementation of the new constitution are being addressed. Perhaps this may have rubbed those in authority in the wrong way. Given the fact that the commission are yet to be paid their dues six months on the line and despite this HUGE shortcoming from the government we came to learn of this fact a month ago when it was first reported in the blog-sphere.

The commission has placed its ‘eyes on the antelope’ as PLO Lumumba would put it despite the non payment of their dues. To add insult to injury a section of the government has been calling for the renegotiation of their pay perks downwards!

Chip of the old block?

It is worthwhile to note that most of us had not heard about Charles BUT were familiar with Simeon Nyachae the formers father who was a career civil servant in provincial administration before plunging into politics and becoming the King of Kisii land. He later served in cabinet in various positions and at one time rose to the position of Finance Minister during Moi administration. He later broke ranks with his mentor President Moi and joined the 2002 NARC and served in Kibaki’s first administration. Mr. S. Nyachae vied for the presidency under Ford People in 2007.

Gandalf the White?

I do NOT seek to judge the son Charles based on the father Mr. S. Nyachae because he has shown to us and the world that he is his own man.  

Mr Charles Nyachae, the chairman of the Commission on Implementation of the Constitution (CIC). Photo/Nation

Source: link

In fact we have come to recognise the chair of CIC by his trade mark white beard (which reminds me of Gandalf the white in the Lord of the Rings-The two towers). 

Southern Sudan. Free at last?

July is turning out to be a historic month in many fronts. Last weekend July 9, 2011 witnessed the birth of the republic of Southern Sudan. The previous day had seen the final flight of US space shuttle program. End of US monopoly in space? Well the jury is NOT yet out on this one.

Neighbourhood

Back at home (Kenya) there has been lots of discussion of what this ‘new’ neighbour (South Sudan) means to us! Kenya was the host of the negotiation for the peace process and is home to many Southern Sudan. Going by what I have been hearing we seem to be expecting too much from this young nation. Considering it said to have a huge oil wealth and lots of resources which are yet to be mined.

Resent Events

Kenya is among the first nations in the world to recognise Southern Sudan and there has been talk of Southern Sudan joining the East African Community.

It is too early to judge what role Kenya is playing in the new Salva Kiir’s administration in Juba. But going by sentiments witnessed on television, NTV (Nation Television) Kenya wants to reap the peace dividends.

Major TV broadcasters cancelled their schedules to broadcast live the happenings in Southern Sudan. In fact I had gone home early expecting to watch some bit of live TV and the usual county madness of Lolani Kalu on NTV only to realise NTV had cancelled it’s county screening and moved to juba

So we were able to watch the pre and post independence celebrations of the people of South Sudan where also Kenyan elites had gone to witness the birth of the new republic.

Political pundits were also on TV giving their views on how the unfolding events were going to impact Kenya.

The dallies were also not left behind and Kenyan political differences were put aback and the headlines focused on Southern Sudan with tag line lines ‘Southern Sudan, free at last’.

So 1960’s in the region

So all of a sudden we get a feel of what our folks felt like in 1960’s going by the celebrations emanating from South Sudan. If a global happiness index is to be conducted then Southern Sudan would top the world rankings.

The Future and Destiny of South Sudan

I am happy to see the Sudanese who have been able to fulfil ‘the right to self determination’ and thus they have become the newest member of global states (193 according to UN).

However, the hard part of nation building has began and they young nation will be confronted by key questions such as;

• How to undertake Nation building (How this new state is going to carry out the delicate process of nation building).
• How to handle the issue of Abiyei (oil rich region)
• How to use the oil resources.
• Its relation with Kenya. How the new administration in Juba views Kenya and how it interacts with Kenya.

Nobel Peace Prize

As the South try a hand in nation building it would be good for the Norwegian committee to realise they extraordinary feat and perhaps reward the parties that secured the peace in this unstable region. Perhaps, the Somali’s might have been watching the events as they unfolded and might be convinced otherwise!

Maestro Ricardo Muti in Town!

On the second weekend of July, 2011 Nairobi was treated to a rare treat of classical music when Chicago Orchestra conductor Ricardo Muti came to town for a concert and conducted Orchestra Cherubini in Uhuru Park.

New Grounds

This concert was a first of its kind in many aspects. It was the first time that Ravenna Festival's Roads of Friendship initiative was in sub-Sahara Africa having previously performed for a northern African country.

It was also a first time an orchestra which boost of over 400 pieces performed in Kenya if not in the region.

The other aspect that got me thinking during the concert was the location. Yes Uhuru park is either associated with political event (Ocampo 3 home coming party comes to mind!), Preachers who know to effectively how to use public space (who at times can be a pain in the neck with their end time gospel while asking for a quid) and lovers! Since I am based at Kilimo I am forced to pass by the hollowed grounds BUT I try to go round them less cupid whom I think might reside there may set a glimpse on me!

That said the concert showcased that indeed the grounds can be salvaged from this tag lines.

Breaking Traditions

This concert also broke other traditions which might NOT be seemingly be clear to the eye. In Kenya cultural activities are mostly a prerequisite of the French BUT the Italian staged a cultural coup at Uhuru Park!

This Festival, according to what I have read was set up by an array of many players starting with the Vice Presidents office (who graced the festival despite there being independence celebrations in Southern Sudan. Considering he was one of the mediators. This must have meant a lot to him), the Italian Embassy in Kenya, The Nuncio’s (Pope’s Representative in the country) office, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (The Minister was conspicuously absent from this festival. The office ought to have someone younger-My opinion) and the Nairobi City Council (Finally our City fathers gather some mad love from me).

The Maestro also in his closing act incorporated our Kenyan singers as they belched out the last performance. This was the climax of the festival for me.

A Maestro’s Dream and Aspirations

In some of the introductions of the day the MC did throw quite some comparisons before the main act. One of this was the late Pavarotti. He compared and contrasted the two Italian misical figures and one thing that clearly presented itself during the performance is that Maestro Muti is soft spoken.

However, when he did speak he pointed out his vision of seeing a united and peaceful world. In fact this concert was dedicated to dwellers of the Nairobi slums.

Ravenna Festival's Roads of Friendship

This concert is part of Ravenna Festival which has an initiative Roads of Friendship, born in Sarajevo in 1997. 14 concerts in different cities of the world have been conducted to date with an eye for celebrating peace and invoking human solidarity through music.  

The 2011 Roads of Friendship Ravenna Festival was dedicated to funding educational scholarships for young people in Nairobi informal settlements (which have had success stories of transforming lives through Amani Onlus).

These scholarships are to be given to Italian missions operating in Kenya.  The concert also gave tribute to Italian missionaries who work in Kenya.

Photos

Here is a link to photo’s of the event from Quaint Photographers on Facebook.