AUGUST 2019 FREE COPY
No. 223 Since December 2000
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Pb: How did each of you get into Dance? G: I started dancing in church but when I realized I could REALLY dance when I was in class 6. B: I started dancing when I was in class 5, and I just started busting moves in front of the mirror and I realized I was good at dancing. Pb: How Long as it been for each of you in Dance as a Career? G: I’d say around 4 years now. Pb: Did your Parents Support your choices? G: Not at first but now they have no option. B: Eventually we attracted a lot of attention from what we do and our career so far is elevating and its bringing in some money so it’s enough for them to say “at least he’s doing something” although they still don’t like it. They would still prefer us to become Doctors or Pilots or work in an office as they think it’s more stable and it is but following your passion and succeeding in it will pay off more than just doing something you don’t like for stability. Pb: How did you meet up? G:We met in Le Pic Primary School and we created a group called Christ Riders with our other friend called Ken but he’s in the United States of America now. We didn’t dance together for a while but after campus revived everything. We decided to make it our career and create an actual business from our passion. B:We also have a third member of the group Wachira who is Githendu’s younger brother. We realised he could dance when he did a small routine with us back in 2015 and noticed our formations looked better with three dancers rather than two and we’ve been doing this ever since and now he’s part of us. We also have a team behind us pushing our business forward. Pb: What are your Most Favourable moments on Stage so far? B: We’ve had so many. It’s hard to pick just one but if I had to, I would say Blankets and Wine in 2017 G: Yeah, it was a real eye opener. We realized we could really perform live not just in videos. We didn’t know that we could have that kind of effect on an audience. Pb: What are you currently working on?
This August we Do it a little bit differently. We Speak to Bobo and Githendu, The cofounders of Art In Motion. They are Creative Directors of Choreography, Dancers, and Performers. They founded Art In Motion a few years back and since then have been able to work with Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Fena, June Gachui, Fidel and many more artists and companies.
B: Currently, we’re working on a show that we feel the industry really needs. Our fans have really wanted to see this for a very long time, so this is really important to us. We feel it the next stage in our careers. It is the Art In Motion Show, which is happening on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August 2019, 7pm - 9pm. We’re performing the same show on each day. If I could go deep about this show, it’s going to bring to light what happens when music and the human body connect. Pb: If you were not a Dancer, what would you be doing? B: Personally, I would be in the Arts either: Acting, Rapping, Event Organizing, Drawing or Singing - that’s really what I would want to be around. G: If I never knew dance I wouldn’t know how far my talents could take me, so, I would have probably been doing something very formal. Pb: Any words for encouragement to people who look up to you? B: Be true to your passion, do not waste time but also take time to find what you truly like and as cliche as it sounds, follow your heart and don’t let anyone tell you, ‘you can’t do anything’! G: And, trust the process.
Interview by Njeri Kimani Photos courtesy of Art in Motion
(DJ Key), pioneer of the Moroccan hip hop scene who directed the video “Cazafonia.” In September 2011, Dizzy DROS performed for the first time on a big stage. He was invited by the rapper Don Bigg to his private concert in Casablanca. During 2012, DROS released the track “Men Hna” (From Here) (June, 2012) and other like songs like “Msa7a Fiya” (Blame it on Me) (February, 2012) and “Zan9a Kat Hdar” (The Street Is Talking) (November, 2012). In September 2013, DROS performed in the music festival L’Boulvard des Jeunes Musiciens.
DIZZY DROS Omar Souhaili better known as; Dizzy DROS; was born in Casablanca, Morocco on July 19th, 1989. His Stage name, DROS, that stands for ‘DanRhymes of Streets’ although he is also known as Mr. Cazafonia. Dizzy DROS was raised in Bine Lemdoune, a popular neighbourhood of Casablanca, the economical capital of Morocco. At the age of 14, DROS started to write songs and to develop his personal style. The rapper became known in 2011 with his first single and video clip “Cazafonia.” This track, played in all Moroccan major radio stations, allowed the rapper to gain popularity being one of the few Moroccan rap songs to reach over 2 million views on YouTube. His first album 3azzy 3ando Stylo (33S) was released in November 22, 2013. The official release took place at the Instituto Cervantes de Casablanca. The album contains 21 tracks including an intro, an outro and two skits, as well as featuring popular Moroccan rappers such as: Muslim, Shayfeen, M-Doc or Would Chaab. The songs of the album dwell on the life of Moroccan Urban Youth. The album is considered by the magazine TelQuel as “one of the best hip-hop albums of this ten last years in Morocco.” Moreover, the magazine Aujourd’hui Le Maroc described Dizzy DROS’ rap style as “an impressive flow, an improvisation that flirts with the mastery of words.” For over four years the rapper worked in different demos before releasing his first single “Cazafonia.” It was at the beginning of his career that Dizzy DROS met Khalid Douache
Later on, in December 2013, Dizzy DROS performed in the Theatre Renaissance in Rabat as the invited artist of the project “Fábrica de Rimas.” Dizzy DROS shared stage with the Colombian rappers C15 and the Moroccan rap group H-Kayne. On February 1, 2014 Dizzy DROS was invited to perform at the 7th Edition of the Maroc Web Awards that took place at the National Theatre Mohamed V in Rabat. Dizzy DROS has participated in diverse TV and Radio shows. Hewas invited in January 2013 to the talk show “Génération News” to participate in a debate on Moroccan artists and Internet. He also appeared in the programs Ni9ach 2.0 and Ajial, both in the Moroccan public TV channel 2M. The rappers has featured several times in radio programs such as the Morning De Momo show on Hit Radio or the program Arts Mag in Medina FM. Dizzy DROS has also been interviewed by Moroccan written press such as the newspaper Libération. The song “Men Hna” features in a short movie called “A Film Made By Everybody”. This project sponsored by Nokia is focused on Cairo, Amman and Casablanca and aims at promoting youth culture in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.
DEEJAY
NIFFER
PB: INTRODUCE YOURSELF DEEJAY NIFFER: My Name is Jennifer Mutete. Also Known as: Deejay Niffer the Spin Diva. PB: TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD DEEJAY NIFFER: I am a first born from a family of 4 Girls and a Single mum and grew up in Thika (Makongeni). PB: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A DEEJAY? DEEJAY NIFFER: I knew I loved music, but I couldn’t sing, though i used to dance to express my love for music. Then someday there was a show at Ananas Mall, Thika where I met the person who taught me to Deejay: Deejay M’marik; he saw my love for Music and he decided to teach me and I couldn’t turn down the offer so I went for deejaying to and since that day it became part of me and my career. PB: WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO BE A DEEJAY DEEJAY NIFFER: I went to B’SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT in Thika. PB: HOW IS IT BEING A FEMALE DEEJAY? DEEJAY NIFFER: Being a Female DJ is somehow fun but stressful and full of challenges. As we know most gigs are done during the night and you meet with drunk people and have to deal with them, then you come across people who just want to use you in the name of help but in real sense they have their own interest. Others just use you to get first money. It’s also fun because you get to travel alot see new places and make new friends PB: WHERE DO YOU USUALLY PLAY? DEEJAY NIFFER: Am a resident Deejay at a Night Club called ‘Sip n Chew’ in Thika. I also go to other clubs as a Guest Deejay. I also do events to like Weedings, Dowry Ceremonies, School talent shows and cultural day and any other event which needs a Deejay PB: AWAY FROM BEING A DEEJAY, WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO? DEEJAY NIFFER: I Model. I am currently sighed at Empire of crown modelling agency. I do commercial modelling for clothes, shoes and anything that deals with fashion. PB: DID YOUR MOM SUPPORT YOU WHEN YOU STARTED OUT? DEEJAY NIFFER: When I started at first, I didn’t even mention it to anyone. It was a Secret. Then after some few weeks of class attendance I had to tell my mum and she was so against it mostly because I had to go out at night. She said that Deejaying was for men and people with bad hair to. So, it was hard for me to make her understand but then when I started earning from it and I didn’t change at all she had to accept and gave me her full support PB: ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE LOOKING TO FOLLOW YOUR FOOTSTEPS? DEEJAY NIFFER: Don’t ever stay at home claiming that there is no employment, be your own boss create a Dynasty for yourself and make your talent useful. PB: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS? DEEJAY NIFFER: Being that I have two years in the industry, it has not been that easy but with God I know I’ll be a media personality and a role model to many and an inspiration too. Interview by Njeri Kimani | Photo courtesy of DJ Niffer
CARNIVORE SIMBA SALOON, LANGATA, NAIROBI: Roaring BBQ Ribs on Tuesday, from 6pm. Entry: KES 990/- Adult & KES 450/- Child. 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/-. GUAVA LOUNGE, BUFFET PARK, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: Reggae on Monday to Thursday, from 11.00am to 7.00pm. Comedy Night, with Freddy, on Monday. Karaoke Night on Thursday, with Erika & Soul Masters. Good looking Friday, with DJ Exotic. Supa Sato, with DJ Symo Mfalme. Free entry. K1 KLUBHOUSE, OJIJO ROAD, PARKLANDS, NAIROBI: Back to the 80S, on Monday. Jazz Nite, on Tuesday, with Mwai & The Truth Band. Wednesday Night Live, with K1 Mixxmasters. One Love Thursday, with Dohty Family. Live Band Karaoke, on Friday. Gogosimo Band, on Saturday. Sunday Soul, with The Spindoktors. Free entry. KENGELES, LAVINGTON GREEN, NAIROBI: Band Night, every last Thursday. Free entry. Networking event, every second Thursday. Free entry. Quiz Night, every 3rd Wednesday. Entry: KES 500/-. MYERS LOUNGE, NAIVASHA ROAD, NAIROBI: Karaoke, with Doryne & Elsie, on Thursday. Ladies Night, with DJ Jacky, on Friday. Steady Saturday, with DJ Ticco, DJ Ben & DJ Davince. Reggae Jamdown, with DJ Vosty & DJ Ticco, on Sunday. Free entry. RAFIKIZ, LANGATA ROAD, NAIROBI: Monday: Soft Rock. Tuesday: Karaoke, with Kendi. Wednesday: DJ Protege. Seduction Thursday: Punch & Cocktails. Friday: Old Skul. Easy Saturday: DJ Mixes. Free entry. SAILORS’ BAR & LOUNGE, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: Monday & Tuesday: Slow Jams. Wednesday: Rhumba Nite. Thursday: Kizomba. Friday & Saturday: Club Nites, with DJ Sting. Sunday: Salsa Nite. Free entry. 7 DEGREES BAR & LOUNGE, NAIVASHA ROAD, DAGORETTI CORNER, NAIROBI: Happy Hour (Beers at KES 180/-), from 5.00pm to 8.00pm, every Tuesday to Thursday. Karaoke every Thursday, hosted by Didi and DJ Kuch. Friday Mix, with DJ Seph. Saturday Mix, with DJ Kuch. Free entry. SIPPERS BAR & RESTAURANT, HURLINGHAM, NAIROBI: Monday to Thursday: Rhumba and Blues, with DJ Selector. Friday & Saturday: Hutu Band, with Awilo Jamnazi. Sunday: Jazz, with Wakurugenzi Band. Free entry. 24/7, VIEW PARK TOWERS, NAIROBI: Beers at reduced Prices, on Tuesday & Wednesday. Red Carpet Affair, on Thursday. Ace Cards, on Friday. Reggae Nite, by Livity Sounds, on Sunday. Free entry.
ART & TRADE EXHIBITIONS DATE: Thursday 1st til Sunday 11th EVENT: Wounds VENUE: One Off Contemporary, #16 Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate, Nairobi DETAILS: An Exhibition of New Works on Mental and Canvas by: Richard Kimathi TIME: 12:00pm to 5:00pm ENTRY: Free DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY: DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY: DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY: DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:
Saturday 3rd Tuvibe Fashion Show Karen Village, Ngong Road Themed, Creating Awareness Against Domestic Violence Through Art, Fashion and Design . With Fashion Designers Showcasing, Catwalk, Runway, Red Carpet, Poetry & Spoken Word 10:00am to 6.00pm KES 500 Single, KES 800 Couples & KES 2,000 for the Group of 5 Saturday 3rd Brads Fashion Show Safaricom House, Michael Joseph Centre, Westlands, Nairobi Do not miss the splendid runway fashion show , catwalk, designer’s exhibition, live band performances, wine tasting, red carpet coverage and more chances to network and build a brand 5:00pm til 10:00pm KES 3,500 Couples & KES 2,000 Ordinary Tuesday 6th til Sunday 25th Kesho Afrika Alliance Francaise, Nairobi Showcasing Afro-Centric art in a variety of Techniques, with the aim to make a connection between then and Now, between African history and the African future 8:00am til 5:00pm Free entry Thursday 1st til Friday 30th Folk Art Camp Nairobi Art Centre, off Muthangari Drive, Lavington. For children from 4 Year Old. and above. Half- and full-day programme. Plenty of fun and creative activities, such as pottery, canvas painting, sculpture and more 9.00am-12.00pm or 1:00pm-3.30pm (Half Day) or 9:00am-3:30pm(Full Day) KES 2,200 Half Day or KES 3,500 Per Day
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Sunday 18th Nairobi Sunset GT Two Rivers Mall, Ruaka, Nairobi Expect to see a lot of cars on display in the dedicated paddock zones from performance cars and classic cars to perfectly restored barn finds, rally cross champions and quarter mile monsters to vintage classics and everything in-between TIME: 10:00am to 9:00pm ENTRY: KES1,000/=
To get the 411 on interesting Art & Trade Exhibitions every Day, Dial *411*2*4*1#
PARTIES & CONCERTS DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS:
Saturday 10th The MUZE Big Show The Muze, Bishan Plaza, Westlands, Nairobi We are hosting Shimza: the South African Afro-House maestro and Paso Doble: the Canadian Afro-House pioneer at MUZE for the 1st time. With local legends SURAJ, Jack Rooster & L.A. DAVE supporting, you won’t want to miss this incredible night of Afro-House TIME: 5.00pm til 5:00am ENTRY: KES 500 Die Hard, KES 800 Advance Ticket & KES 1,000 at the Gate DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:
Saturday 10th Kwehu Festival Kilifi The Terrace, Mombasa Kechi, Shangatatu & Jean Music by: Afro, Soulful & House 4.00pm til late KES 500/-
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Sunday 11th Reggae in the Sun The Alchemist Bar, Parklands Road, Westlands With a Performances by: Gravitti Band, Sojourners Band, Selector Technixx, Binti Afroka, Dj Shiqx, Muzikal Sheriff & DJ Moh 12:00pm til 11:00pm KES 1,000/-
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Friday 16 Soweto Gospel Choir - Avulekile Amasango Concert CITAM, Karen Soweto Gospel Choir is described as the best Choir in the world, boasting two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and several SA Music Awards. They are finally going to be live in Kenya alongside some of Kenya’s biggest names: SpellCast, Redfourth Chorus, Pitson & Karura Voices and many more! It shall be an Old Church Choir Experience! 6.00pm to 11.00pm KES 3,000/th
DATE: Thursday 22nd EVENT: Thursday Nite Live VENUE: J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen, Muthangari Drive, Westlands DETAILS: Feature one of Kenya’s outstanding hip hop artist: Octopizzo TIME: 8:00pm -11:00pm ENTRY: Free
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PLAYS & THEATRE DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS: TIME: ENTRY:
Friday 2nd til Sunday 4th Double Trouble Nairobi Cinema A wildly funny Comedy Play by: Heartstrings Entertainment 2:00pm Friday, 3.30pm and 7.00pm Saturday KES 699/-
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Tuesday 6th Best Friends Forever The Alchemist Bar, Parklands Road, Westlands Produced by a Kenyan production company, Avant Films, written and directed by Jennifer Gatero, Best Friends Forever is about childhood friends Rita and Chris. It begs the age old question; can a man and a woman really be friends? TIME: 6:00pm til 10.00pm ENTRY: Free DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS:
Saturday 10th Music Therapy 101 American Space Nairobi, Moi University, Nairobi Music Therapy 101 is for all mental health professionals, mental health advocates, caregivers of people living with mental health and people looking for solutions to burn out and stress TIME: 2:00pm til 4:00pm ENTRY: Free DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS:
Monday 12th Les Regles Du Jeu Alliance Francaise, Nairobi The Films tells the Story of Four young People with no Qualifications in Seaarch of a Job. For Six months, the Couches of a placement agency will teach them the behaviour and language required in today’s world to be able to land a job TIME: 6.00pm ENTRY: Free entry DATE: EVENT: VENUE: DETAILS:
Tuesday 20th Not in My Neighbourhood Alliance Francaise, Nairobi From colonization to gentrification, Not in My Neighbourhood tells the intergenerational stories of ordinary citizens fighting for their right to the city in Cape Town, New York, and São Paulo TIME: 6.30pm ENTRY: Free DATE: Thursday 29th EVENT: Nairobi Poetry Cafe VENUE: Alliance Francaise, Nairobi DETAILS: Hosted by: RAYA & TEARDROPS TIME: 6.30pm ENTRY: Free
To get the 411 on the most captivating Theatre, Comedy, Poetry, Literature & Dance every Day, Dial *411*2*2*1#
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