(Re)Creation of Kenya - San Diego take 1

“God created Kenya to assist rugby take over the world. What’s your excuse?”

That was one of the more colorful captions on a fan t-shirt as sunny San Diego readied to host a contingent of Kenyans from all walks of life most of whom reside in the US. There were at least 7 other countrymen on our flight into Lindberg Field (Airport) in San Diego, and a few others we met at the car rental office. Even before we hit highway 5 to the city of Del Mar, where we will be staying for the next few days, we had already met about 20 fellow Kenyans. We arrived a bit late, our flight in was delayed and San Diego, is unseasonably cold. There are events lined up throughout the weekend. We all seem to agree that there is a lot that needs to be done, and are willing to do our part. At one of the events last night there were Kenyan flags, t-shirts, outfits and camaraderie was witnessed all over the place. Today promises not just good old rugby but also a chance for us to meet and talk to our fellow countrymen and hopefully help alleviate some of the strife in Kenya.

Aside: I talked to an individual whose family resides in Kisumu who lost his mom when her house was torched by attackers. His pain was visible as he narrated his ordeal and what his family has had to go through for the last few weeks. This, to me, makes the issue very real, and underscores the importance of banding together for these types of events for a good cause. He talked about his pain, more so against certain ‘Kikuyus’. You can easily see how the conflict in Kenya can and will affect friends far away from the conflict. What happens in Kenya, truly does not just stay in Kenya. There are very real victims and stories to be told out here as well.

We are headed to Petco park today. More stories and pictures as well as soon as I can figure out my new point-and-click.

Thanksgiving Atlanta 2007 - A Recap

Promoters and event planners in the US and the greater Kenyan Diasporas alike should take cue from Thanksgiving Atlanta 2007. The message sent by the contingent of Kenyans who descended upon chilly Atlanta, Georgia was loud and clear:

“We want it big; we want it better.”

Locals and revelers from all over the country started pouring in on Wednesday November 21st for the 4-day event and were anxious for what had been dubbed the ‘Thanksgiving Experience’ by one camp of promoters and the ‘13th Annual Thanksgiving Re-union’ by the other side. Either way Kenyans were spoilt for choice.

Two Sides

2Kat Solutions, an Atlanta based event-promotion outfit, together with Kenyaniyetu banded together to run the thanksgiving event under what was mostly construed to be a unified theme, a colossus of a get-together under the banner ‘One People, One Party’. From an insider’s take, the two parties, which had never worked together before, sought to harness each other’s resources to protect what had been an event mostly promoted and managed by locals. As such, the ‘One People One Party’ theme was heavily promoted together with appearances by Kenyan artists Nonini, Longombas and Amani.

On the other side, Take-Over-Djs (TOD), a professional DJ unit in tandem with ‘Genge Entertainment’ sought to introduce new concepts to the 13-year old tradition, amongst them a Live Band & DJ set, bigger and better venues, showdowns amongst famed turntablists from Kenya, performance by Kenyan artist JuaCali and day time family-themed events. Promotion began early in the year with mixed CDs and Flyers being distributed in cities across the nation. TOD estimated that over 7,000 CD’s had been distributed by the commencement night on Wednesday November 21st.

Déjà vu?

We have witnessed what happened in Atlanta before. Rival promoters going at it, one side protecting a home-town event and the other trying to break in. We witnessed it in San Diego at the annual Rugby 7’s tournament and again over the memorial weekend, the ongoing struggle between two cities; Houston and Dallas. The singular effect is that it splits a crowd but more often than not, the events themselves are usually similar in style thus very little differentiation. This time, however, things were a bit different.

2Kat-KenyaNiYetu

Overall, I felt like 2Kat and Kenyaniyetu, despite great venues (Club Esso, Club Pure) and slightly new and innovative marketing concepts ( FlatPanel HDTV lottery) and excellent music (an experienced DJ lineup certainly helps) struggled against a TOD marketing campaign that had long been in place for this event. It is important to point out that 2Kat has been at the forefront of some ground breaking events in as far as event-promotion is concerned. They were amongst the first to bring famed Kenyan DJs to the states.For instance, Homeboyz’ DJ John, CapitalFM’s DJ Adrian, DJ Pinye and CodeRed DJ Sytlez have all found their way to the states on 2Kat’s direction. Their pedigree is well documented amongst the greater Atlanta community. Perhaps this may have been a contributing factor to the late start as far as marketing was concerned since they may have felt like they already had the audience’s ear, being a local outfit.

However, Amani, Longombas and Nonini, inasmuch as their celebrity can pull a crowd, did little to dent the buzz around having JuaCali at the TOD camp. Furthermore, and this is a lesson to be learnt, if you have a two-person group such as the ‘Longombas’ or ‘Deux Vultures’ being able to showcase only one member of that group, for whatever reason, can be quite a tricky proposition despite the help of a live band. 2Kat’s Sunday event venue was also changed at the last minute and as such many people were shocked to arrive at an empty and locked ‘Bombay Grill’. Despite numerous text messages and a disclaimer on their website (pretty hard to see if you ask me because directions are on the lower half of the flyer – the disclaimer should have been there) most ended up at the TOD’s ‘Kwaheri Night’. Even more perplexing was the appearance by Nonini at TOD’s ‘Kwaheri Night’. Why would Nonini – here on 2Kat’s tab – be at a TOD event? These are some of the questions the 2Kat duo of June and Daisy will have to ask themselves going forward.

TOD – Genge Entertainment

TOD on the other hand, could learn a lot from the major gaffes we witnessed at their events. Firstly, from an insider’s take, they knew way in advance that the Homeboyz’ DJ John and DJ Kaydee would not be able to make it (from what they said were contractual obligations to the fledgling Homeboyz Radio Station) and still continued to market the event with both in their lineups. The revelation that both would not be in attendance was not made until the last minute by TOD. If said contractual obligations existed, we all know they would have been in place long before TOD decided to make it public that they would not attend. Secondly, at their events at ‘The Temple’ no one bothered to make the call for ‘last call’ as is the case at most clubs. As such, the bar was abruptly closed leaving quite a number of patrons having purchased tickets for drinks, with their tickets in hand and no recourse to get their money back. This was truly tacky! In addition, their sound system was wanting for most part. It is quite embarrassing for a maestro such as JuaCali to be performing on stage and have the amplifier system shut down thus having no bass at all. This was a problem that inexplicably persisted for two nights (Friday and Saturday).

TOD is a young and bright star in the Kenyan community in the USA however. Their concepts take away from the regular events we have almost become wont to attend. Despite the gaffes, the DJ-Live band event was quite interesting, it is truly something to listen to ‘Banjuka’ live and Flex’s ‘Amejibeba’ on a Dr. Dre beat on a live set. Our all-star DJ’s didn’t disappoint and TOD’s attempt to introduce what they dubbed ‘The Next Generation of Kenyan Entertainers (DJs)’ was also gracious. If they set the trend, our next generation has a lot to live up to. JuaCali, an exquisite performer in his own right, also brought the house down. It is easy to see why he has become such a popular performer and personality especially amongst Kenyan youth. He is truly something.

Winners - Losers

So who won? In my opinion there were no winners or losers. Does TOD walk away thumping their chest and declaring supremacy? Hardly. Does 2Kat walk away disappointed? Again, hardly. The singular most common response from members who attended both events was that the atmosphere was great. Each was entertained. TOD had a bigger crowd but 2Kat had a much better managed event (despite Sunday). In addition, this should be cause for them to cheer, despite a well-oiled marketing machine employed against them, 2Kat managed to hold their own for most part. TOD can learn valuable lessons from the problems they witnessed as far as crowd-control and managing such grand events; they can only get better. Those of us who understand the complications of event management can appreciate what we were able to experience in Atlanta. We were all entertained by both sides and look forward to future events in the area. In addition our hosts were classy and pulled all stops for our entertainment purposes. This event certainly sets the stage for quite an interesting ‘Thanksgiving Experience’ 2008. Hope to see you there.

Atlanta and Thanksgiving

I’m headed to Atlanta for the annual thanksgiving get-together. This is the first time I am visiting the area for the infamous Thanksgiving party. In addition, baby girl and I get to see family residing out there. Traveling during the thanksgiving festivities is an arduous task ergo the fact that I never bothered to travel anywhere before. This year however I’d like to taste someone else’s cooking. Don’t get me wrong, baby girl and the ladies do put together quite the thanksgiving dinner. I just bring nachos, a few drinks and do what I’m told. I suggested one Thanksgiving that we deep-fry the turkey; I am officially a fire hazard in our house now. I don’t like turkey anyway, despite several tries I am yet to acquire a taste for the bird. I am interested in seeing how much stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy my boy K can actually stuff in his frame. The boy has an appetite second to none. For the unfamiliar folks, thanksgiving is one of the few holidays where pretty much everything stops;well everything apart from 711’s(convenient stores) and cop stations.

We have been promised entertainment galore in Atlanta. I usually lower my expectations at these types of events having been to some in other parts of the country. Some promoters have become so unbelievably egotistic and lazy that quality of work to them comes second to how much money they can make at these gatherings. We are beginning to see a break from the usual event with a host of new entrants to the scene. Despite all these, ATL-iens should consider themselves lucky to have classy and professional promoters such as 2Kat who are experienced at hosting such large gatherings. The duo of Daisy and June have worked tirelessly to try and revamp the entertainment scene and bring out some great ideas in conjunction with Kenyaniyetu and other event planners. Secondly the talented duo of Take Over Deejays has put together their lineup of Kenyan Artist and DJs, such as Pinye, Styles and up and comers from around. I’m excited that JuaCali is here, he is quite an act. All in all, it should be a pretty interesting 5 days out in Atlanta. I’ll recap soon as we get back. Happy Thanksgiving y’all.

Opening Day

So summer is over - who cares? Football season is here. Been out and about for awhile, got caught up in projects and work but I can’t complain. Regular posting resumes soon. Got some great tracks to share too, see below for a clip of what good music is.

RIP Lady S. We love you girl

10 Minutes Ago

I was at the ‘Miss Kenya USA’ pageant held in Houston Texas over the memorial weekend but before I get into that here’s an aside..

One of the most common comments I get when I talk about my music passion and interest in deejaying is ‘So you must know the best clubs to patron’. I actually don’t. I rarely ever go out, unless the Groove Squad is involved in an event in my area then I am definitely there! Someone mentioned to me once that frequenting the Kenyan parties in the UK and US, there really isn’t much to choose from. Infact his actual quote was that if you frequent the same watering hole twice or thrice, you’d get to meet mostly the same people that were there the week before. I quote my boy Brian verbatum: “Dude every time I’m here I feel like I was here 10 minutes ago!”

Thus my 10 minutes ago post.

This year’s Miss Kenya USA pageant was held at the renowned Club Hush (previously owned by Beyonce Knowles). The club setting was quite attractive. This is the second time I have been to club Hush. It is quite the place. Two dance floors, (actually 3 if you count the patio that was converted to a dance floor for those who wanted to enjoy Houston’s ridiculously hot and humid nights while listening to some really good old school music) a great bar setting, elevators to the second floor and VIP rooms, and an elaborate stage, quite the picture of elegance for the young ladies partaking of the event and the organizing committee.
Details were sketchy as to how the pageants were chosen. In fact, the whole idea around Ms Kenya is quite sketchy. I talked briefly with the outgoing Ms Kenya USA, a lady by the name of Ms Eunyce Karanja, about what she had accomplished in a year in her role. She talked about being able to appeal to younger women on certain issues on being bold and believing in themselves. Quite the noble deed although I’d like to have seen her do more. Address issues that are just as/if not more important - our high drop out rates from college, alcoholism, abuse(a rapidly growing problem I have to say) and others.

The event had a distinctly African feel to it. The event organizers, an entertainment unit by the name of Frakaz entertainment and the Miss Kenya USA organization, had multiple MC’s who did a decent job in keeping the crowd interested. Just so you know, anyone who can keep an increasingly belligerent and intoxicated crowd of Kenyans at bay deserves some kind of a medal. Sound (an oft overlooked part of Kenyan events) was on point! It was neither too loud nor too low. Certainly, the MCs knew their part, having been to various events by now, I know blaring out the ubiquitous “Tuendelee ama tusiendelee ” or “Mko freshi lakini” does not do much.

There were 6 categories in which the contestants were adjudged on; Personal introduction, The interview, Evening wear, Casual wear, Swim wear and my favorite, African wear.It was quite an event. We saw some of the finest clothing designs from back home and elegant outfits modeled by the ladies and some not so flashy ones. Next time I’ll have my digital camera with me but for now, feel free to enjoy the show on Frakaz’ gallery. Ms Kenya 2007 was chosen, if you ask me the runner up should have been the winner but hey! what do I know! We then enjoyed some great music by turntablist extraodinaire DJ Stylez of Codered fame. As we left club Hush that night I took a look around, it was an event with a twist - suddenly a strange feeling came over me. Yes, it was a first, I couldn’t say I had been to such a well organized Kenyan event before, yes Bryo, ‘Dude!I had not been there 10 minutes ago!‘

Overall:

Ms Kenya USA (MKU), is an upstart organization that has tremendous potential if they can reel in and continue to expose the talent that they were able to showcase as far as modeling and designing goes. One of the contestants told me that they had to foot all their expenses and did not even get so much as a gift certificate or acknowledgment from the organization.This is truly not the hallmark of a good organization and I’d like to see them change this. The least they can do is make it worthwhile for the contestants or at least offer certificates of appreciation for the effort that I imagine goes into preparation for such an event. Additionally, I’d like to see them expand on their objective beyond just helping Kenyan women in the diaspora develop “self-esteem and confidence while having fun and meeting new people.” While their mantra is to “provide a nationwide forum for today’s young women to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments to the public at large during the ensuing year”, MKU remains largely out of the limelight as far as social events within the Kenyan community in the USA. Still kudos for an event well organized and definitely a step in the right direction.

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