PHAT!buzz™ | May 2015 | Issue #172

ATING CELEBR

S 15 YEAR

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Pb: You have had quite a Hiatus from our Music Scene; what have you Missed most?

SO: Nothing much, because I am always well-informed on the happenings of our Music Industry. But honestly, I did miss Me. I’m happy to be back!

Pb: How long have you been Singing?

SO: I have been Singing since I was young Girl in Church, but my Calling came after completing Secondary School. I remember one day sitting in my Brother’s office in Nairobi, during the late 1990s, when I came across an Article about Sally Oyugi - an Afro-Jazz musician. I liked her persona and really wanted to Work with her, as a Background Vocalist. So, I gave her a call; and what impressed me, when we eventually met, was her willingness to Listen to all that I had to tell her. She also liked my Voice, after I did a rendition of Miriam Makeba’s ‘Hapo Zamani’. We worked together for a couple of Months, before she moved to the United States of America. I am Grateful for the Opportunity she granted me, which later opened Doors for greater things in my Career.

Pb: What have your Musical influences been?

SO: I am inspired by day-to-day Life. Also, I am influenced by various Musicians, I grew up Listening to, such as: Miriam Makeba, Tracy Chapman, Tshala Mwana and Mbilia Bel. Pb: Now that you are Back, what are your 2015 Plans?

SO: My Resolution this year is to see how I can Impact the Society positively, through my Music and various Projects that I am involved in.

Pb: What’s different with the Suzanna Owiyo we knew, from ‘Kisumu 100’, and Now? SO: Suzanna Owiyo is still the same, but she is in the Experimental process. She is Evolving, because truly that is what Life is all about. Prepare for lots of Surprises soon!

Pb: If there’s one Thing you’re most Proud of, what would it be?

SO: That would have to be my Roots, which Define me.

I am Proud, because I have been able to Share this with the World - irrespective of Colour, Gender, Tribe and Race. You can imagine Suzanna Owiyo singing in Luo to a Japanese audience! The common special Language we share is Music; that shows you how Powerful it can be.

Pb: You released ‘Wamiel’ in December. What was the Inspiration behind it?

SO: Wamiel, simply means: “Let’s Dance”. It was inspired by the young Producer - Polycarp Otieno, of Sauti Sol. suzanna.owiyo.music Story by Kevin Oyugi.

@SuzannaOwiyo

More so, I felt that I needed something Fresh and more Upbeat, which my Fans could Dance to. For that moment, I needed to Loosen-up and put myself in that Space, imagining the crazy Steps my Fans would Dance to. In simple terms, Dance has no Formula, so Break a Leg! Pb: What is it like Working with some relatively new and talented Producers, Polycarp Otieno and Enos Olik?

SO: Well, it has been a Great experience. Since I am equally a Perfectionist, I liked the Professionalism and Quality that these young men put into my Projects.

Pb: What international Artist(s) have you most enjoyed Singing alongside?

SO: There are quite a number, like: Youssou Ndour, Oliver Mtukudzi and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. All those Experiences were Amazing, but performing with Youssou Ndour, was most Memorable. I got the Opportunity to Tour with him throughout Europe in 2011, under his initiative: NEW AFRICA VOICES. He truly expresses his Love and Passion for Africa, while on the International platform. I learned a lot from that Tour.

Pb: You’re passionate about the ‘Because I am a Girl’ Campaign. What’s that about?

SO: This is Plan International’s global Campaign aimed at giving Millions of Girls the Education, Skills & Support they need to Transform their Lives and the World around them. It’s quite Unfortunate that we still live in a Society that doesn’t value Girls. That’s why most Girls are subjected to Violence and/or forced into early Marriages; thereby, missing out on Education. I do believe Girls should enjoy equal Opportunities, just like Boys.

With proper Knowledge, they are able to Participate in Community Life and Decision-making.

SuzannaOwiyo

www.suzannaowiyo.net Photos courtesy of Suzanna Owiyo.

DJ Pinye A

ptly christened as a Cornerstone and Pioneer of Deejaying in Kenya, DJ Pinye (Peter Chuani) - who was born, raised and educated in Nairobi, has been a focal Influencer on the Entertainment Culture in Kenya.

DJ Pinye is the brains behind NTV’s popular Music Video programme: The Beat, one of the longest-running urban music Shows in Kenya, where he has been handling Concepts and Content selection for nearly 15 years.

He is also credited with Kickstarting the Careers of other amazing Talent, such as DJ Joe Mfalme; who he came to Meet on the Recommendation of a Friend. DJ Pinye went on to give him plenty of Exposure, including Opportunities to Perform in South Africa.

The skilled Deejay has taken somewhat of a Backseat from active Deejaying, in favour of Mentoring and Advising a younger generation of upcoming Artists and Deejays. He seems to be able to spot Talent or a Hit, before it becomes Mainstream.

Last year, DJ Pinye came into the Spotlight, with Accusations levelled against him that he was refusing to promote Kenyan talent on The Beat; an Allegation which he refuted. He insisted that the TV Show seeks to maintain some level of Standards of Music played. The Allegations were raised particularly because the Show did not give Papa Dennis’ acclaimed hit: ‘Injili’, any Airplay, at a time when it was Popular.

On rather a Surprising note, for someone so engrained in the Entertainment Industry, DJ Pinye doesn’t Drink or Smoke.

“Drinking, Smoking and Deejaying don’t go together… that’s something most People don’t know”, he said in an Interview with Larry Madowo on The Trend last year.

Aside from continuing to run The Beat, DJ Pinye now regularly plays at Supersoul Sundays in Carnivore Simba Saloon, though he generally limits Performances in favour of younger Talent that he seeks to Mentor.

DJ-Pinye

Story by Kevin Oyugi.

Interviewed by: Kevin Oyugi. Photos courtesy of: DJ Sadic.

Photo courtesy of DJ Pinye.

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17.09.14 08:19

6th - 9th MAY 2015

JINJA, UGANDA REGISTER NOW!

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BACCHUS LOUNGE, WESTLANDS, NAIROBI: Wednesdays: DJ Kaytrixx & DJ Xclusive. Thursdays: DJ Protege. Fridays: DJ Hypnotique. Saturdays: DJ Spin. 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 by DJs Wattii, Wikki & Martin; and New Jack Swing every 3rd Friday. Entry for each: KES 300/-.

Cultural Nights every last Friday. Entry: KES 500/-.

CLUB SAMBA, MOI AVENUE, NAIROBI: Wednesdays: Live Band. Thursdays: DJ Suspense. Fridays: Rhumba Night. Saturdays: All Party. Sundays: Soul Night.

GATEWAY PARADISE HOTEL, MAKUPA, MOMBASA: Enjoy mix of music throughout the week and Sunday with DJ King Saddam. Friday and Saturday with one-man guitar Kioko. Parking available. Accommodation and Conference Hall available. Beers at a reduced price of KES 170/-. Free entry.

I-CLUB, KIMATHI STREET, NAIROBI: Reggae Night with Dub Station on Mondays. Comedy Night with Fred Omondi on Wednesdays. Karaoke Night on Thursdays with Erika & Soul Masters. Good looking Friday with DJ Exotic. Supa Sato with DJ Symo Mfalme. Free entry.

K1 KLUBHOUSE, OJIJO ROAD, PARKLANDS, NAIROBI: Jazz Nite on Tuesdays. Afro-Beat on Wednesdays. Reggae on Thursdays. Live Band Karaoke on Fridays. GogoSimo Band on Saturdays. Free entry.

KENGELES, LAVINGTON GREEN, NAIROBI: House Deejay’s mix every Wednesday and Friday. Free entry.

OFF-ROAD BAR & LOUNGE, LANGATA, NAIROBI: 50% Whisky Club. Local Beers @ KES 200/-. Ample Secure Parking.

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

RAFIKIZ, LANGATA, NAIROBI: Mondays to Thursdays: Local Beers @ KES 200/-. Wednesdays: mid-week Madness with DJs Hypnotique, Créme, Andre, Protégé, Mr. Dru and Fresh One. Thursdays: Reggae Night with Empire Sounds. Fridays: Funky Fridays with Inferno VJs. Saturdays: Easy Saturdays with DJ Fresh One. SAILORS BAR & LOUNGE, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: Tuesdays: Neo-Soul with DJ Nijoz. Thursdays: Jazzraoke by Freddy. Fridays: 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 (Beers at KES 170/-) 5pm to 7pm every Monday to Friday. Enjoy Reggae every Wednesday with DJ Bagg. Karaoke is on every Thursday with Liz & DJ Kuch. Midweek offers are every Wednesday and Thursday. Free entry.

TAMASHA, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: Mondays: Reggae Nights by Dohty Family. Tuesdays: Karaoke Night by Slineer. Wednesdays: Rhumba Night by Sound Afrique. Thursdays: Soul Night & Old School. Fridays: Mix by DJ Briggy. Saturdays: Mix by DJ Purple. Sundays: Jazz Night.

THE BLUES, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: For the best of Blues music & meals in town. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance with free WiFi. VASCO’S LOUNGE, NAKURU-NAIROBI HIGHWAY, NAKURU: Free tonic with four tots of Singleton Malt Whisky every night and Special Chef BBQ Wings every night. Wednesdays: RnB. Thursdays: Soul Nite. Weekend: BBQ & Party Time.

W

idely considered as a ‘Pied Piper’ for his prowess with the Trumpet, Kenya-born and USA-educated: Owuor Arunga, has scaled the heights of the Alternative Genre, to work with the Grammy Award winning Duo: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

Born in Kisumu, the Jazz Trumpeter grew up Listening to the likes of Papa Wemba and Kanda Bongo Man - who inspired him to be Creative at his Craft, as he inclined towards the Arts.

In the early 2000s, Owuor attended the New School University Jazz & Contemporary Programme in New York, where he Studied and Performed with Chico Hamilton, Lee Ann Ledgerwood and Ahmed Abdullah.

Arguably the most defining moment of his Career was teaming up with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, on their multi-Award winning 2012 Album: The Heist, as well as Performing on their World Tour, throughout 2013. This was after they met at Garfield High School and went on to play together with their Band, from 2009.

Having been away from Kenya for quite a while, last year Owuor was involved in a string of Projects back home, involving Work on the 2nd Season of Coke Studio Africa, where he Collaborated with Artists, like: Rabbit and Marlene, on the ‘Ligi Soo’ remix - that became immensely Popular; as well as his work on: ‘Nomkhanjani’. He was also a Guest performer for the Nairobi Rapsody series at Ebony Lounge at Museum Hill.

Most recently he’s worked on Singles, such as: ‘Black as they Come’, with Dadabass and Felicia Loud; as well as a Black Pearls Worldwide Listening Party project, with Aliyah Niambi and

OwuorArungaSultanOfSwag

Story by Kevin Oyugi.

@Owuorobi

Photo courtesy of Owuor Arunga.

ArungaMusic

ART & TRADE EXHIBITIONS DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:

Friday 1st to June 30th.

Joy Adamson.

Narobi National Museum, Westlands, Nairobi.

Art on her Legacy for the Cultural & Natural Heritage of Kenya.

8.30am to 5.30pm.

KES 200/-.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE:

DETAILS: TIME:

ENTRY:

Friday 1st to June 3rd.

At Look into our Own Souls.

Casual Bite Cafe, Centro House, Woodvale Lane, Westlands, Nairobi.

Art by Onyis Martin.

7.00am to 7.00pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 7.00am to 11.00pm on Thursdays to Saturdays and Closed on Monday.

Free.

DATE: Saturday 2nd to Wednesday 27th.

EVENT: Every Painting is a Poem.

VENUE: One Off Contemporary Art Gallery, No. 16 Rosslyn Lone Tree, Nairobi.

DETAILS: New Art by James Mbuthia, informed by his Surroundings,

Environmental and Social Issues within his Community.

TIME: 11.00am to 5.00pm, except Mondays and Public Holidays.

ENTRY: Free.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE:

DETAILS:

TIME: ENTRY:

Friday 8th to Thursday 21st.

Full Frontal.

Kuona Trust Gallery, Likoni Close, off Likoni Lane, Dennis Pritt Road, Kilimani, Nairobi.

A conceptual Art Installation on the Paradox of the Female’s Place, Form & Perception, by Jessica Atieno.

8.30am to 5.30pm.

Free.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:

Thursday 28th to June 7th.

Egypt & Middle East Trade Fair.

Sarit Centre Expo Hall, Westlands, Nairobi.

Shop for a range of Goods from this Region.

9.00am to 6.00pm.

Free.

WANNA PROMOTE YOUR EVENT FOR FREE?!

Email information on the Date, Title, Venue, Time, Details and Entry charges to: phatbuzz@phatafrica.com

To get the 411 on interesting Training, Art & Trade Exhibitions every week, Dial *411*2*8#.

PARTIES & CONCERTS DATE: EVENT: VENUE:

DETAILS:

TIME: ENTRY:

Saturday 2nd.

Suits & Mics - Evolution Edition.

Michael Joseph Centre, Safaricom House, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi.

Performances from Jemedari, Siri Kali, Martha, Jerry, Monita and Band II-V-IV. 3.00pm to 8.00pm.

KES 500/-.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:

Saturday 2nd.

Bluemoon Fest - Party Under the Stars.

Impala Grounds, Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Performances from Yemi Alade, P-Unit, Mejja and Madtraxx.

6.00pm to 3.00am.

KES 1,000/-.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS:

TIME: ENTRY:

Wednesday 6th.

Choc & Fusion.

Alliance Francaise, Nairobi.

European classical violin by Virginie Robillard, fused with African percussion by Thomas Guei.

7.00pm daily.

KES 500/-.

DATE: Saturday 9th.

EVENT: Ubuntu Fireplace.

VENUE: Kuona Trust Gallery, Likoni Close, off Likoni Lane, Dennis Pritt

Road, Kilimani, Nairobi.

DETAILS: A Bob Marley Tribute, hosted by Nazizi; plus Spoken Word &

Live Music by Happy Gachago, Noni, Poetic Bee, Raya Wambui, Ayrosh Collo, Moseh the Drummist, Bensoul

and Eudiah.

TIME: 2.00pm to 12.00am.

ENTRY: KES 1,800/-.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:

Thursday 21st.

Thursday Night Live - Aaron Rimbui.

Choices Pub, Baricho Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi.

Performances of Afro-Jazz.

8.00pm to 11.00pm.

Free.

WANNA PROMOTE YOUR EVENT FOR FREE?!

Email information on the Date, Title, Venue, Time, Details and Entry charges to: phatbuzz@phatafrica.com

To get the 411 on the hottest Festivals, Parties & Concerts every week, Dial *411*2*6#.

PLAYS & THEATRE DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS:

TIME:

ENTRY:

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd.

Touching Tomorrow.

Phoenix Theatre, Parliament Road, Nairobi.

A powerful Piece that boldly tackles the subjects of Homelessness, Rape and Disability; with Humour, Honesty and Warmth.

7.30pm on Friday and 3.00pm & 6.00pm on Saturday & Sunday.

KES 500/-.

DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd.

Kaana Funny.

Wida Highway Motel, Naivasha Nakuru Highway, Nairobi.

Fanaka Arts Theatre presents a rib-shattering Play in Gikuyu.

7.00pm daily.

KES 500/-.

DATE: Sunday 3rd.

EVENT: Kwani? Sunday Salon.

VENUE: Kwani? Trust Office Gardens, Riverside Drive, Nairobi.

DETAILS: Readings & Conversations with 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature Winner - Songeziwe Mahlangu, and celebrated

Writer - Henry Ole Kulet. They’ll also be Poetry performances,

live Music by Sage and Readings by Yvonne Owuor, Ngala Chome & Billy Kahora from the new Chimurenga Chronic.

TIME: 3.00pm.

ENTRY: Free.

DATE: Friday 8th to Sunday 24th.

EVENT: Aid or Doing Nothing.

VENUE: Phoenix Theatre, Parliament Road, Nairobi.

DETAILS: A play, Written & Directed by Robin Denault, on Aid in the

Refugee Camps of Northern Kenya; starring Samson Psenjen and Maina Olwenya.

TIME: 7.00pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7.30pm on Fridays,

6.00pm on Saturdays and 3.00pm & 6.00pm on 23rd & 24th.

ENTRY: KES 500/-.

DATE: Saturday 30th to 1st June.

EVENT: Because You Said So - In the Wild!

VENUE: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Namanga.

DETAILS: Kenya’s premier Improv Comedy show goes on Safari. Ticket

includes Fullboard Accommodation,

Road Transport and Game Drive.

WANNA PROMOTE TIME: 7.00am on Saturday til 5.00pm on YOUR EVENT FOR FREE?!

Monday.

Email information on the ENTRY: KES 29,999/- on Date, Title, Venue, Time, Details and Entry charges to: www.ticketsasa.com. phatbuzz@phatafrica.com

To get the 411 on the most captivating Theatre, Comedy, Poetry, Literature & Dance every week, Dial *411*2*7#.

ATING CELEBR

S 15 YEAR

SAVE THE DATE ...

28.01.16 to 31.01.16 12pm - 8pm

Sarit Centre Expo Hall Westlands NAIROBI

+254 774 386 060 ongea@phatafrica.com