PHAT!buzz™ | February 2014 | Issue #159

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V A L E N T I N E S S P E C I A L FEBRU

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ARY

2014

FRENEo .C1O5 P9 Y

PHAT!buzz ™: Where did you grow up and which Schools did you attend?

I grew up in Nairobi; where I attended Lavington Primary School, St. Mary Academy and Upper Hill School (O levels). Then I went to St. Barnabas in Uganda (A levels) and the University of Nairobi.

PHAT!buzz ™: How was your Childhood?

My childhood was very interesting. I started performing at an early age, for the then President Moi and Cardinal Maurice Otunga; as well as representing my Church and School in many functions.

I think I was never bored as a Child, as my Parents encouraged my music a lot.

PHAT!buzz ™: Tell us about your Family?

I come from a Family of three Children: my elder brother - John, is an Electrical Engineer; while my small brother - Bryan, will end up as a Car Designer. I don’t know why I didn’t like Science like them. Mummy - Mrs. Lucy Ndung’u, has been Teaching for the last 25 years; while my Dad is a Theologian and Businessman. We are the funniest Family on Earth, I promise….join us for Dinner and you will understand.

PHAT!buzz ™: How did you Discover you had Talent for Music?

Mum says she first heard me sing Roberta Flack’s ‘Killing me Softly’, when I was only 5 years old and she was amazed; only for me to start inviting them to School for more performances! I knew in Class 3, that I was destined to be a Performer.

PHAT!buzz ™: How did you eventually get into Music?

After clearing my Form 4, I didn’t waste time: I was soon at British Council asking Buddha Blaze to allow me to perform during WaPi? - where I was the only Singer, amongst Rappers, at the time.

Thereafter, I got into Idols, but was rejected; however, I vowed not to give up. After acting in Shuga, I released ‘Chips Funga’, which helped me get noticed.

PHAT!buzz ™: What were the Challenges you encountered?

Rejection – people just didn’t understand my Sound and Style; so that put me down, but I kept perfecting my Writing skills. Also, been underpaid, conned, undercut by other Artists and the usual “who knows who”.

PHAT!buzz ™: Who does your Music target?

I target everyone, because I aim to have longevity in the Industry; so I try to depict day-to-day Life from my own experiences.

PHAT!buzz ™: Do you feel you have matured as an Artist?

I have found my “voice”, my style, my unique points and my techniques; but I have not reached where I want to be….there are so many musical ideas that I have, but I am afraid that no-one has the ability to package them for me yet.

PHAT!buzz ™: Are you signed to a Record Label?

I am Signed to the most amazing Label in Kenya: PineCreek, established by Peter Nduati and Managed by Mike Mburu. I have just renewed my Contract, so cheers to new things!

PHAT!buzz ™: What inspired you to write ‘Paid My Dues’?

I got tired of apologising for my Achievements, just to sooth my Haters’ egos. Those days are gone. I work hard - I have 24 hours like everyone else, so I use them the best way I can. So I have paid my dues.....

PHAT!buzz ™: Which Artists do you look up to?

I look up to all who came before me, because they set a path that made it easier. But specifically: Pharell Williams, Jill Scott, Omar, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Zamajobe and Simphiwe Dana.

PHAT!buzz ™: Where do you see Anto NeoSoul in the next 5 years?

Conquering the World - or as my Friends say: we have to Lupita the World!

PHAT!buzz ™: What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? It shall be spent Organising my exclusive Listening Party.

Interview by Saita. Photos by Artist.

@antoneosoul Anto NeoSoul Antoneosoul

ON THE

WITH

Dj BIG BOEY BEN MY NAME IS: Kisio Benson.

I GOT MY STAGE NAME: from a Nickname Friends gave me: Big Ben, thus DJ Big Boey Ben.

my

I LEARNED TO DEEJAY BY: teaching myself! honestly have not yet gone to any Deejaying Academy.

I

I GOT INTO DEEJAYING: when I was in 2nd year of University - that’s when I developed an interest.

MY MAJOR CHALLENGE WHEN STARTING OUT: was to get a Promoter; and also a Tutor to Coach me.

I USUALLY PLAY: Hip-hop, Riddim, Trance, House and Dubstep.

MY MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS ARE: Deejaying at a Club in Parklands and major House Parties in School.

BESIDES DEEJAYING: I am a Student, I play Basketball and I love Listening to Music a lot!

MY MAJOR INSPIRATION: is my Cousin - who also Deejays, but he’s also a Tattoo Artist.

I also admire DJ Nesto and DJ Davi - both from Kenyatta University.

MY FUTURE PLANS: are to continue Deejaying and also doing Audio Production big time.

Interview by Saita. Photos by Deejay.

YOUR A TO Z NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

AQUARIUM RESORT, WESTLANDS ROAD, NAIROBI: Happy Hour (Buy 2, Get 1 Free) 5pm-7pm every Wednesday. Happy Hour Reloaded (Buy 2, Get 1 Free) 5pm-7pm every Friday. Karaoke by Soul Masters every Saturday. Free entry.

BELLA VISTA (MOI AVENUE) & BELLA VISTA (DIGO ROAD), MOMBASA: Every day is a Party. Enjoy good Food, Sports and Music. Free entry.

CARNIVORE SIMBA SALOON, LANGATA, NAIROBI: Rhumba Night every 1st Friday and New Jack Swing every 3rd Friday; with Entry for each: KES 300/-. Steak & Wine Wednesdays with fine dining, music, discounted meal combos and Free entry.

CLUB CLICK, BARICHO ROAD, NAIROBI: Vintage Monday, with Jah’key Marley. Woogie Boogie Friday with DJ Eazy B. Party Nite Saturday with DJ Blackrose. Free entry.

CLUB LEGEND, BARICHO ROAD, NAIROBI: Rhumba Night with DJ DonBen every Sunday from 3pm till late. Free entry.

CLUB SAMBA, NAIROBI: Wednesday: Live Band Thursday: DJ Suspense, Crazy Mix Friday: Rhumba Night .

Saturday: All Party Sunday: Soul Night.

GALLILEO XTREME, NAKUMATT LIFESTYLE, NAIROBI: Easy Mondays with Rhumba Classics. Country Music with Sir Elvis on Tuesdays. Dutty Wednesday: Reggae Night. Video Mixing on Fridays & Saturdays. Free entry.

KAHAMA HOTEL SPORTS BAR, MALINDI ROAD, MOMBASA: The best of Disco with the legendary Kahama DJs and live Band music every Friday & Sunday. Free entry.

K1 KLUB HOUSE, OJIJO ROAD, PARKLANDS, NAIROBI: Jazz Nite on Tuesdays. Afro-Rhumba on Wednesdays. Reggae on Thursdays. Live Band Karaoke on Fridays. Gogosimo Band on Saturdays. Free entry.

PSYS, T-MALL, LANGATA ROAD, NAIROBI: Wednesday: Live Band (Ni Sisi) Thursday: DJ Gordo Friday: Rock by DJ Barbie & DJ Vince Saturday: Rock by DJ Barbie& DJ Vince.

PSYS, WESTLANDS, NAIROBI: Reggae Mondays. Rhumba Tuesdays with DJ Psyqo. Karaoke Wednesdays. Team 100 on Thursdays with DJ Mista Dru. Happy Hour (Beers @ KES150/-). Free entry.

RAFIKIZ, LANGATA, NAIROBI: Wednesday: Mid Week Madness, with DJ Hypnotique, Crème, Andre, Protégé, Mr. Dru, alongside DJ Fresh One Thursday: Reggae Night with Empire Sounds.

Friday: Funky Fridays, with Inferno VJ’s Saturday: Easy Saturdays, with DJ Fresh One. SAILORS BAR & LOUNGE, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: Tuesday: Neo-Soul (by DJ Nijoz) Thursday: Jazzraoke (by Freddy) Friday: Mix by DJ Nijoz.

SECRETS LOUNGE, VIEW PARK TOWERS, NAIROBI: Beers at reduced prices on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Red Carpet Affair on Thursdays. Ace Cards on Fridays. Reggae Nite by Livity Sounds on Sundays.

7 DEGREES BAR & LOUNGE, NAIVASHA ROAD, DAGORETTI CORNER, NAIROBI: Happy hour- change beer price from KES 170 to KES 180.

THE BLUES, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: For the best of Blues music & meals in town. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance with free WiFi. TAMASHA, HURLINGHAM: Monday: Reggae Night (by Doughty Family) Tuesday: Karaoke Night (by Slineer).

Wednesday: Rhumba Night (by Sound Afrique) Thursday: Soul Night & Old Skool Friday: Mix by DJ Briggy Saturday: Mix by DJ Purple Sunday: Jazz Night.

Saturday: Easy Saturdays, with DJ Fresh One.

B

orn Shiphton Onyango, he adopted the Artist name of Winyo, which is a Dholuo for “a Bird”.

Winyo is a Singer & Songwriter of great sensitivity, who also plays the Guitar; and is backed by a 4-piece Band of accomplished musicians.

He derives his Music and musical strength from his Forefathers, whose African music was rich in Melody and traditional Harmonies.

Winyo’s musical Style ranges from traditional Luo melodies infused with witty Storylines, to Afro-fusion, to Afro-jazz and to a Contemporary interpretation of Benga - all transformed into an authentic Acoustic sound.

His powerful, yet mellow, Vocals are the icing on the cake, that makes listening to Winyo, an almost heavenly experience.

Winyo began as part of the critically acclaimed and accomplished Trio, named Rateng (Dholuo for “Black”); cutting his teeth as the Composer, Vocalist and Guitarist. He was instrumental in the Writing & Composing of their debut Album: Thumology, released in 2009.

During 2010, Winyo was shortlisted as one of the ten Finalists of the Radio France International (rfi) Discoveries. He went on to be the overall first Runner-up. This was followed by a second Nomination and Top 10 shortlisting for rfi Discoveries in 2011.

In 2012, Winyo was once again nominated for an international award, this time from the Rolex Arts Initiative for a mentor and protege programme. Winyo went on to be invited as one of the four finalists who travelled to Rio De Janeiro in Brazil to meet with the legendary Gilberto Gil. Although Winyo was not selected as the protege, he did manage to work with Mr Gil. Winyo is also a much sought after composer and song writer and has penned songs for many chart topping artistes in Kenya. winyo.music

@winyoBird

ALPHA-MALE To get Tips on How to be “The Man”, dial *411#, choose LIFESTYLE and select ALPHA MALE; and receive (for example): YOU COULD EASILY SPOIL YOUR LOOK IF YOU WEAR: Poorly Washed or Pressed Clothes and Unpolished or Dirty Shoes.

BABE-A-LICIOUS To get Tips on How to be that “Hype Chic”, dial *411#, choose LIFESTYLE and select BABE-A-LICIOUS; and receive (for example): DO NOT BE FOOLED BY FRAGRANCE IN SHAMPOOS; as some contain Artificial Ingredients that Do Not Add any Value to the Product.

BUSINESS TIPS To get Tips on How to Succeed in Business, dial *411#, choose LIFESTYLE and select BUSINESS TIPS; and receive (for example): INCLUDE ALL THE ESSENTIAL EXPENSES FOR THE 1ST 6 MONTHS IN YOUR ESTIMATES: Give yourself Time to get your Business Running.

PARENTING To get Tips on How to be a Better Parent, dial *411#, choose LIFESTYLE and select PARENTING; and receive (for example): Spice up Family Movie Night by including Foreign Films on the Menu; so as TO GIVE YOUR KIDS A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON THINGS.

ART & TRADE EXHIBITIONS Date: Event: Venue: Details Time: Entry:

Saturday 1st February to March 31st.

Sanaa Exhibition.

The Nairobi Museum, Westlands, Nairobi.

Special Holiday Exhibition by Artist, Designer and Bead King - Sanaa Gateja.

8.30am to 5.30pm daily.

KES 150/-.

Date: Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th.

Event: Valentines Fair.

Venue: House of Treasure, Karen, Nairobi.

Details: Shop for exquisite Gifts for that Someone special.

Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm.

Entry: Free.

Date: Monday 20th January to February 9th.

Event: Photo Exhibition.

Venue: Alliance Francaise, Nairobi.

Details The “50 Years of Kenyan Music” photo exhibition that pays tribute to

musicians who have shaped tge various genres of music in Kenya, and

influenced our social psyche over the past five decades.

Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Entry: Free Date: Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th.

Event: CIBEX East Africa.

Venue: Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi.

Details East Africa´s international trade show on construction, infrastructure and energy Time: 10am to 6.00pm daily.

Entry: Free.

Date: Thursday 24th January to Friday 21st February.

Event: Tunnel Vision.

Venue: Goethe Institut Auditorium.

Details An exhibtion of Photography and Videos by Jacob Barua.

Time: 1.00pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday.

Entry: Free.

Date: Friday 14th February.

Event: Auction.

Venue: Green House Mall, 2nd Floor, Suite 14, Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Details Auctioning Art for a good cause.

Time: 6.00pm.

Entry: Free.

Date: Friday 31st to February 12th Event: Existence II Venue: Kuona Trust, Hurlingham, Nairobi Details: Sculptures of various Materials & Techniques by Kevin Oduor Entry: Free

To get the 411 on interesting Art & Trade Exhibitions every week, sms EXB PLUS ON to the number 411.

PARTIES & CONCERTS Date: Thursday 13th.

Event: Juma Tutu Live.

Venue: Choices, Baricho Road, Nairobi.

Details: Thurday Nite Live @ Choices.

Time: 8.00pm to 11.00pm.

Entry: Free.

Date: Event: Venue: Details: Time: Entry:

Friday 14th.

A Snappy love Affair.

Waridi Hotel, Hurlingham, Nairobi.

Kenyan Cupid Hosts an event that consists of a fashion show, music, salsa topped with a sumptous meal.

7.00pm to 11.00pm.

KES 3,000.

Date: Friday 14th.

Event: From Baileys with Love.

Venue: Carnivore Simba Saloon, Langata, Nairobi.

Details: Celebrate Valentines Day with a great food, dancing and music by Atemi Oyungu, Kanjii Mbugua, Aaron Rimbui and Five Alive.

Time: 7.00pm.

Entry: KES 1,000/- (Show only) or KES 3,000/- (with Dinner, but Book in Advance on 0726 545 429).

Date: Saturday 15th.

Event: Malooned.

Venue: Ngong Racecourse, Jockey Club, Nairobi.

Details: Play, Mingle and end the day with a movie in the sunset.

TIME: 12.00pm to 11.00pm.

Entry: Adults Advance KES 1,000 Gate KES 1,200 Children Advance KES 500 Gate KES 600.

Date: Thursday 20th.

Event: Nathan Omogi Okite Live.

Venue: Choices, Baricho Road, Nairobi.

Details: Thurday Nite Live @ Choices.

Time: 8.00pm to 11.00pm.

Entry: Free.

Date: Event: Venue: Details:

Sunday 23rd.

Safaricom International Jazz Festival.

Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi.

Performances by Richard Bona, The Nile Project, The Rhythm Junks (Belgium), Yuval Cohen (Israel), Aaron Rimbui, Chris Bittok, Eddie Grey, Jacob Asiyo, Kavutha Mwanzia, Christine Kamau and Kato Change.

12.00pm to 6.00pm.

KES 2,500/- for VIP, KES 1,000/- for Adults and KES 300/- for Students.

Time: Entry:

Date: Thursday 27th.

Event: Winyo Live.

Venue: Choices, Baricho Road, Nairobi Details: Thurday Nite Live @ Choices Entry: Free

To get the 411 on the hottest Parties & Concerts every week, sms PARTIES PLUS ON to the number 411.

PLAYS & THEATRE Date: Event: Venue: Details Time: Entry:

Wednesday 5th to Saturday 22nd.

The River & The Source and Mstahiki Meya.

Liberty Education Centre, Pangani, Nairobi.

Plays on Set Books by Fanaka Arts Theatre.

8.00am and 1.00pm.

KES 200/-.

Date: Wednesday 5th to Saturday 22nd.

Event: The River & The Source and Mstahiki Meya.

Venue: Railways Club Auditorium, Nairobi.

Details Plays on Set Books by Jicho Four Productions.

Time: 8.00am.

Entry: KES 200/-.

Date: Event: Venue: Details

Wednesday 5th to Saturday 15th.

Perfect Wedding.

Phoenix Theatre, Professional Centre, Nairobi.

Comedy as a man awakes from his Stag Party, alongside a total Stranger on his Wedding Day. Time: 7.00pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7.30pm on Fridays and 6.00pm on Saturdays.

Entry: KES 500/-.

Date: Event: Venue: Details Time: Entry:

Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th.

Ici Ni Ciakwa.

Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi.

A wildly hilarious Valentines special (adults only) play in Gikuyu, by Fanaka Arts Theatre.

6.00pm on Thursday, 6.00pm & 8.00pm on Friday and 3.00pm, 6.00pm & 8.00pm on Saturday & Sunday.

KES 500/-.

Date: Event: Venue: Details

Time: Entry:

Sunday 23rd.

Anniversary Launch Concert.

Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Road, Lavington, Nairobi.

Featuring The Kenya Conservatoire of Music Orchestra, conducted by Vijay Upadhyaya - Head of Musical Activities at Vienna University.

3.00pm.

KES 1,000/-.

Date: Event: Venue: Details Time: Entry:

Thursday 27th to March 2nd.

Deception.

Alliance Francaise, Nairobi.

A comedy thriller on mistaken identities, by Festival of Creative Arts.

6.00pm & 8.00pm on Thursday & Friday and 3.00pm, 6.00pm & 8.00pm on Saturday & Sunday.

KES 500/-.

WANNA PROMOTE YOUR EVENT FOR FREE?!

E-mail information on the Date, Title, Venue, Time, Details and Entry Charges to: phatbuzz@phatafrica.com To get the 411 on the most captivating Theatre & Dance every week, sms PLAYS PLUS ON to the number 411.