Pulser October Issue

oCTOBER 2019

LIVE IT UP!

NOT FOR SALE

Hot of the Month Afro-punk band Crystal Axis on cutting a niche for themselves due to peculiar sound

Hallow’s Eve

A devilish candy and wine pairing

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willy pozze

I have no apologies to make

FASHION • beauty • RIDes • food • ADVENTURE • SPORTS • REVIEWS

T I E

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P U V I L

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EVENTS events Speed Date with Bijou Dates World Mental Health Day

Date: October 4 Venue: Emory Hotel, Kileleshwa, Nairobi Time: 7pm to 10pm

Date: October 10 Venue: Nairoi, CBD-Uhuru Highway Time: 7am to 2pm

Get to meet and bond with new friends as you share life experiences during the Speed Date with Bijou Dates. This is an opportunity to possibly meet your soulmate. This is an exclusive speed dating affair where you get to meet as many people as you want for eight minutes each. If you make a connection, you will be linked up immediately. There will be free soft drinks and snacks.

The World Mental Health Day will be celebrated in Nairobi during an event organised by Speak Mind Love. Dubbed, Walk – For Mind and Body; No More Deaths By Suicide Campaign, the walk will start from Nairobi CBD with participants walking through Uhuru Highway and back to the city. There will be great entertainment and lots of food for participants. The World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year with the overall objective to raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. This year’s focus is on suicide prevention.

Viva Global Wine Expo 2019

Date: October 4-5 Venue: Park Inn by Radisson, Westlands, Nairobi

Time: 12pm to 7pm With Viva Global’s extensive wine portfolio, and distribution in Kenya from various countries around the world for the last 20 years, this expo will be a great opportunity to showcase their collection during the first wines trade exhibition. From wine tasting to food and wine pairing, cheese and wine pairing to a wine education, the expo will be a taste for the senses.

Date: October 5 Venue: Club House, KWS HQ Time: 2pm to 11pm Ever thought of playing beer games and having fun around beer enthusiasts’ environment?

This is your chance. Beerathon is a bi-annual tradition, a premier event for those whose enthusiasm for beer extends to beer games and fun. The original idea behind Beerathon is to create a beer event for those whose enthusiasm includes making beer games and draft beer tasting while having fun. Revellers will participate, indulge in food offerings as they dance along to live bands and DJ mixcrates. This is not a competitive activity. It is a professionally and responsibly produced beer event for people to enjoy responsibly.

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Beerathon; Beer and Entertainment

Strongest Man Finals at Two Rivers

Kenya Kona Comedy is back

Date: October 5 Venue: 680 Hotel, Nairobi Time: 6.30pm to 10pm The second edition of the new wave of the Kenya Kona Comedy show features a unique brand of standup comedy knockouts, poetry and live music. The event shall be hosted once again by the hilarious queen of Kenyan Comedy, Zuleka alongside great comic talents going head to head in a unique battle alongside special sketch comedy by Momas, Makwaka, Wabbabeng, Bahala Yake and Irrezitible Me.

Date: October 12 Venue: Two Rivers Time: From 10am After months of battle, the Strongest Man Finals will take place at Two Rivers this month.

It has been a gruesome journey that has seen many fall on the wayside and now, this will be the time to crown the ultimate queen and king. Dubbed, Push Your Limits, the event will feature “10 Queens of Iron and 16 Titans” from across the country battling it to be crowned “Strongest of them All”. The show will be featuring Africa Deadlift Record Attempt with Africa’s Strongest Man Jonah Ells. This will be a family fun day with great music and a variety of entertainment including a kids fun area.

Bakers Battle in Nakuru

Date: October 12 Venue: ACK Good Shepherded Cathedral Hall Time: 1pm to 5pm Having done the Nairobi hits, the Bakers Club

Date: October 19 Venue: Chesumot Dam Time: 12:30pm till the next day Cake Tasting event goes to Nakuru Town where droves of bakers are expected to participate.

Sponsored by Fuschia, Shikilia Tores and Phoxis Merchant among others, the event is set to take place at the ACK Good Shepherded Cathedral Hall, Nakuru (opposite Central Police Station). Bakers Club is a community of people who have passion for baking and anyone can participate. Entry fee is Sh300.

Drags and Gymkhana II Masinga

Date: October 19, 20 Venue: Masinga Time: All day The second edition of the Drags and Gymkhana II Masinga takes place in Masinga on the mid-month weekend. The event, dubbed Twende Masinga and sponsored by Subaru, Subaru Kenya, Motoring Press Agency and Gigi Motors has already attracted a number of participants. Early bird tickets are going for Sh1,000, advance Sh1,500 and Sh2,000 at the gate.

Set for Chesumot Dam, Kwetu Festival goes down at Chesumot Dam this month with lots of cultural and traditional showcase in store for all planning to attend. The Kericho adventure spot known for camping events will be offering non-stop music, tantalising African cuisines, bonfire sessions, fun games, fishing experiences as well as rare African storytelling and tales session.

Handshake Love Concert

Date: October 19 Venue: Reef Hotel and Moonshine Beach Bar Time: 7am till late One of the best entertainment spots in Mombasa Reef Hotel and Moonshine Beach Bar offers a special Mashujaa Day eve concert with performance line-up that promises nothing but a good show. Backed up by the County Government of Mombasa, the event will featuring veteran Mzee Ngala, Easter Benga finest Ken wa Maria, Johhny Junior, Onyi Jalamo, Salim Young and Man Pepe Sagero. On the decks will be Deshal and Shinah.

Race Wars at Tatu City

Nairobi Black Food Festival

Date: October 19-20 Venue: Tatu City Time: 6am to 4pm

Date: October 20 Venue: J’s Fresh Bar and Kitchen Time: 11am to 9pm

Delta Motorsports presents the Race Wars, an automobiles events that is also part of the Drags and Gymkhana series. Do you believe you have what it takes to challenge the best?

Then, this is your show. Due to security reasons, all spectators are requested to follow the signs and instructions shared by security personnel during the two-day event. Delta Motorsports Management reserves the right to admission and all media personnel and vendors will require prior permission from event organisers. By purchasing a ticket you have agreed to the terms and conditions. Each ticket will give you access to Gymkhana on day one, an after party and drag the next day.

Known for its themed events and Nairobi uptown thrilling gigs, J’s Fresh Bar and Kitchen offers Nairobi Black Food Festival this Mashujaa Day. With Hallow’s Eve just days away, the event will focus on showcasing Kenyan meals by some of the finest chefs in the city; under the Black Food Festival Culture. J’s Fresh Bar and Kitchen is situated at the Muthangari Drive off Waiyaki Way. This

comes after the New York City, London, Berlin and Helsinki Black Food Festival editions.

Come expecting everything black; black ice cream flavoured with black sesame, black coffee, black beer, black rice and much more.

Black Food Festival plays with some of your favourite dishes, creatively experimenting with flavour and colour from some of the city’s most innovative and inventive culinary minds.

Jungle Fitness Challenge in Ngong

Date: October 26 Venue: Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary Time: 9am to 5pm Fitness and health is sometimes about testing your endurance by pushing your limits. And this is what the Jungle Fitness Challenge in Ngong offers; the real adrenaline rush! The event, dubbed Jungle Fitness Challenge will be about obstacle race, mud volleyball, zumba, tag of war and everything jungle challenge. It will be held at Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary (the entry will be next to the Commonwealth war caves. Early bird tickets go for Sh900 per head and Sh4,000 for a group of five as and Sh8,000 for a group of 10. Charges will be Sh1,000 at the gate.

Modesty Fashion Week

Date: October 26 Venue: Kulan Café, Nairobi CBD Time: 6pm to 9pm The Modesty Fashion Week will be held at the heart of the city at the end of the month.

Showcasing fashion designs by various designers, the glamour affair will be a fusion Nairobi’s 2019 fashion trends. This particular fashion show will showcase Islam fashion culture.

Miss Earth finals in Philippines

Venue: Naga City Date: October 27 Time: All night The annual Miss Earth Beauty Pageant finals will take place in Philippines, Naga City, on October 27. Ninety contestants including Kenya’s Susan Kirui, will travel to Naga City on October 19, and will stay there until the culmination of the pageant. Models will have the pleasure to visit attractions around the city as well as tour Camarines Sur, and indulge in various environmental activities. Other pre-pageant events will be held in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

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Kwetu Festival on the cards

CON TEN TS

CELEBRITIES, MUSIC AND SHOWBIZ 4-5.

12.

13.

26-31.

38-43.

44-45.

Events Jolly as George Dear Nadia Crystal clear The new Willy Poze The twilight of Rock

FOOD, HEALTH and FITNESS 18.

Black Lemonade Ice cream 19.

Black pancakes 20-21. Oh My Goth 22- 23 Ciala Resort, Kisumu’s finest 24. Mixology 25. Wine 55.

Coffee Break 56-57. Fitness FASHION and BEAUTY 8.

9.

32-37.

54.

Loose change Style embrace the storm Beauty tips

RIDES, TOYS AND ADVENTURE 14-15.

16-17.

46-47.

48-49.

50-51.

Need for speed 10 road trip hacks Doors, dhows and all things spice The Wanderlust effect Beautiful but Mysterious

LIFE, TECH AND REVIEWS 11.

Horoscopes 58.

Movies 59. Slam dunk 60-61. Not so dope 62-63. Gaming fever

6 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

THE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER orlando lyomu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OCHIENG RAPURO GROUP EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND HEAD OF NEWS KIPKOECH TANUI MANAGING EDITOR – WEEKEND/MAGAZINES JOHN BUNDOTICH

FROM THE DESK

Let’s rock and roll

EDITOR STEVENS MUENDO REVISE EDITOR ROSE KWAMBOKA

F

SUB EDITOR WAIRIMU NYINGI MANAGER, PRINT CREATIVE DAN WELOBA CREATIVE DESIGNER JOSECK MUTORO PHOTOGRAPHY HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY JACOB OTIENO PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR MAXWELL AGWANDA DIGITAL NJAMBI MUNGAI WAIRIMU NYINGI Kevin OGUOKO CONTRIBUTORS TONY MOCHAMA PERIS WAMBUGU PAUL OWERE AHADI WAMBUI BARBARA NYAMBURA milton were BONIFACE MITHIKA MARGARET NGENYA TRACY GESARE WINNIE MAKENA PHOTOGRAPHERS ELVIS OGINA

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rom Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Pink Floyd, The Who, Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses and Metallica, rock music genre prides itself in epic classical bands, successful bands whose music will forever be.

But there is no rock band I can possibly think of as having been so commercially successful than The Beatles. 50 years after the release of their epic final studio album, Abbey Road, the album has now been ranked as the greatest mic drop in pop music history. And how ironical, dark even, would it be that after so much idolised success, The Beatles would come to disband in 1969 in a gruesome bitter acrimony – weeks after the release of the album. Worse so, nailing the last nail on The Beatles coffin, as an attempt was made for their reunion in 1980, their key member Lennon was murdered throwing a dark shade into the rock world, gloom and mystery that is more often than never depicted in rock music generation after another.

Creatively fictional, the Abbey Road cover had The Beatles walking away from Emi Recording Studios where they recorded the LP, four of them walking in safe personal space as if to predict their separation. It is like a farewell bid to the millions of fans who idolised them with obsession after watching them rise to become the music ‘gods’ of their generation.

The foursome comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, chaps whose musical and lyrical sophistication grew into infectious pop movement, a movement that is credited for embodying the era’s social-cultural movements. Well, I might not be the best rocker, but the best I know, my colleague Tonny Mochama aka Smitta Smitten, introduced me into this obsession about 10 years ago and since every October, we have celebrated

the genre together with other rock lovers worldwide – this being the Rocktober fest month.

High this mood, this edition comes heavy with the best researched feature on the Rock history in Kenya as we highlight one of the fastest growing Rock bands in the country, Crystal Axis.

October is as dark as they come. It is the beer month – to whomever that rings a bell. It comes with the mystery of Halloween too. So how about we serve you dark recipes, meals and drinks, introduce you to the mystery cities of the world and let you into Stone Town – the Island of the mythical doors. And turning him into the rocker of the year, we leave it to you to wonder over the confessions of Willy Poze.

Wear your masks and…Let’s rock and roll…

Pulser magazine is published by The Standard Group PLC

pulser magazine OCTOBER 2019

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loose change

Green Long Trench Coat Ksh @ 3,000 (MRP)

- peris wambugu

Black Fedora Hat Ksh @ 800 ( Toi Market)

Distressed Black Tee worn as a shirt dress Ksh @ 2,000 (MRP)

r o f d E S S N E E DR LOWE L A H Fishnet Leggings Ksh @ 500 ( Toi Market)

Black Choker Necklace Ksh @ 500 ( Dubois)

Black Chunky Boots Ksh @ 1,500 (Bus Station)

Purple Lip Ksh @ 1,000 (Super Cosmetics)

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style style

Out of the zoo F

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ashion trends come and go but there is nothing that has had an evergreen longevity like the animal print. And what a statement this sends to all.

Who can avoid glaring at something cut from a python, a leopard, cheetah, or even a tiger; some of the vicious under the sky?

The animal print is a bold look that speaks sophistication, daring, style, elegance and versatility. The most amazing thing is that this trend can be sported anytime without one having to think of the season or even the weather. It is not a style for women alone. Men can look real good in print and all you need is an attitude.

Internationally, the animal print is back this season in a wide range; shirts, lingerie, belts, handbags, shoes and even watch straps.

Some of the top animal designers at the moment include Celine, Tiger of Sweden, Burberry and Saint Laurent.

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pulser magazine OCTOBER 2019

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felix kavii

- pulsEr writer - pulser writer

trends — Boniface Mithika

TIME C

asio G-shock caused a buzz with the recent release of their new line of Mudmaster GGB100 watches.

The three new options; GG-B100-1A, GG-B100-1A3, GG-B100-1A9, are part of G-shock’s grander Master of G collection, specifically designed to fit those who live a rough and tough lifestyle.

Each colourway is constructed with a signature Carbon Core guard structure that makes for a durable-yet-lightweight timepiece overall. The mud-resistant technology is also a strong selling point, not to mention the clean colour options of black, green and a standout orange.

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MASTERS Specs include a thin stainless steel dual layered case back, the usual shock resistance, both location and activity-tracking technology, and Quad sensors that provide a good compass just as well as it does a barometer. If you need to get muddy during your next expedition, you can rest assured that wrist game will definitely remain proper.

The most eye-catching upgrade you’ll notice first is the introduction of the company’s Carbon Core Guard technology, increasing the watch’s durability whilst reducing weight with a new carbon fibre casing and bezel. Coupled with a dual layer case back, the watch remains mud and dirt resistance and can endure the

E PRIC

USD 0 5 3 $ ,349 6 3 h s

harshest of conditions.

Moving to the inner mechanics, the newly added built-in Bluetooth connectivity provides users with the ability to connect their watches to the G-shock mobile app, automatically keeping the watch on time wherever you are in the world. In contrast to its three-sensor predecessors, the new GG-B100 comes equipped with four sensors, introducing an accelerometer to the usual pressure, compass and temperature sensors. Other G-shock features come standard, such as a world timer, a chronograph and LED lighting.

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OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

Horoscopes - the pulsEr astrologer

The ORACLE of A

t the end of last month as I left Venezia, I bought a pack of Tarot Cards in an ancient Oracle shop on a secret street. This simply means, this month, I have been not a star-gazer, but a reader of fortune cards.

career, collapse of business or relationships, all troubles will come to a boil. To overcome them, you’ll need to show great courage. So you are a lion/ness by December.

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

October is the month to make war, and this Aqua is gonna fight.

In fact you’ll get a perverse pleasure from battle. Your routine may change dramatically, but that is the shifting nature of the battlefield. Will you win? You will triumph if you ‘crucify thy enemies.’

The Tarot Cards show you are sunny and light-hearted after September. Avoid people who are too intense, go slow on alcohol, and keep off affairs. Your best period this month will be between October 10 and 20th.

Take a break. If you can, a vacation.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22) The cards of the constellation of Scorpio show a lot of coincidences happening for you in October.

Something, or someone, from your past will show up this month in a major way! Don’t let your Ego get the better of you.

There’ll be no way back.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21) You are highly inspired this month, so it is time to get creative.

But don’t be tempted to ‘go it alone’; seek counsel from wiser souls, Sagittarius. Also don’t allow yourself to be victimised; but don’t play martyr either in an emotional entanglement.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20) I don’t know why, but the Tarot cards say October will be a month of turmoil. Change in

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

PISCES (Feb 20 – March 20) You are seeking strength and the willpower to do what must be done. Show Love + Tolerance – but watch out for warlike Aquarius this October. By the end

of the month, you will know who/ what you must sacrifice to achieve your goals.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20) You are tempted to just stand still this month – and hang onto material things, or else ‘saviours.’

But remember if you do not embrace change, change will embarrass you! In any case, you should feel more self-assured by end October, as you begin to influence events.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20) Thanks to the Moon Sign, Taurus may be feeling fearful, and even some frustration, about a certain

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OCTOBER

outcome. If it concerns a legal outcome, you may need to be extremely bull-headed to achieve ends. But the Tarot of Solarissays it turns out right.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) Love is in the air! You may even want to begin/switch romantic relationships. For women, remember the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and for Gemini men, that that new woman may be far from a gem.

October 13 will be very significant.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) A certain chapter may be closing forever in Cancer’s life. Now you are ready to risk it all this month; a decision that may affect the next decade of Life. Be careful not to risk property, or put at risk persons, who are valuable to your course in coming Time.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) Illness, bereavement, career disappointment – but not all three – are on Leo’s tarot card this month. While this may lead to inner turbulence, be careful not to get into a lion’s rage. What you need is a Lion’s courage, instead, to weather the storm till November.

VIRGO (August 23 – Sept 23) The significant support of a father/ partner/boss/leader or mentor may come into play this month. And Virgo will ride a vertiginous wave of sudden success/adulation. Don’t let it go to your head. Remember your good fortune this month is thanks to the stars, errr, a pack of Italian Tarot cards.

pulser magazine october 2019

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hot in town — Ahadi Wambui

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OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

jolly as

@george_dufanda

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C

ongolese native George Dufanda is a celebrity in his own right. His scissors have known more celebrities than most hairdressers in the showbiz industry!

George’s passion in hair started out at the age of 13. With time, he sharpened his skills and what had started as a hobby turned to a career.

Together with his family, he settled in Nairobi in 2011 and took advantage of the vibrant hair business working in some of the leading saloons, boutique shops and spas. @natalietewa Dubbed the great gifted hand due to his creative and artistic cuts, Dufanda now serves a clientele, which includes celebrities and high flying politicians. He has won awards including Barber of the Year award by Afro Hair. The hunk in demand enjoys a good following on Instagram.

He is also known for his fashion sense and jolly demeanor which makes him a charm to many female fans.

george

Let’s talk celebrity cuts with the gifted Jolly

hot in town — Ahadi Wambui

N

adia Mukami is a singer and songwriter who started off as a poet at a young age.

Her breakthrough came after the release of her song Kesi, which received massive airplay and launched her singing career.

Her recent hits, Si Rahisi, African Lover, Radio Love featuring Arrow Bwoy, Lola featuring Masauti and Ikamate Iyo, have made her one of the new African artistes to watch.

The 22-year-old was the only Kenyan female artiste featured in Coke Studio 2019.

The petite beauty who is a Maseno University graduate has reached heights others can only dream of and continues to be on an upward trajectory.

Nadia Mukami @nadia_mukami

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nadia

dear

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When it comes to artistes to watch, there’s no argument Nadia Mukami is at the forefront

@nadia_mukami

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MOTORMOTO — boniface mithika

B

ugatti has always been at the forefront in producing masterpieces of art, defined by the spirit of its founder, Ettore Bugatti.

While celebrating their 110th anniversary in August, they unveiled their latest super car, 2020 Bugatti Centodieci, Italian for 110, as part of unique story.

The 2020 Bugatti Centodieci is a limited-edition version of the Chiron. This ‘beast’ continues the successful course of exceptional design and performance, while reviving the memory of the brand’s recent history.

Inspired by the historical model, EB110, the Centodieci pushes all boundaries of imagination with its breathtaking performance and pioneering design. Featuring a modern interpretation of the classic wedge shape and with the iconic W16 engine, the Centodieci transports the EB110 gracefully into a new millennium. The 10 limited-edition vehicles are distinguished by their perfect elegance and sculptural beauty, making the Centodieci a true, tangible work of art.

At the front, the Bugatti horseshoe is much

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OCTOBER AUGUST 2019 2019pulser pulsermagazine magazine

smaller than on other current Bugatti offerings and its sports three-section air intakes, both mimicking the EB110. This moves the Bugatti badge from the grille to the hood.

Its C-shaped B pillar is gone, replaced by five diamond-shaped air inlets that feed the 8.0-liter W16 engine, which, like the EB110, is visible beneath glass.

Its conspicuous design is quite a divergence from the scooped, sculpted bodies of the Veyron and Chiron. Instead of the dominant “Bugatti” line that curves from their backs and swooshes to the front, Centodieci has an almost completely flat roofline that blends into a mechanical rear spoiler - edges along its sides as crisply pressed as an envelope - and what look like 22-inch wheels have seven angled rectangular blades on them. The rear end has a single ventilation hole and eight rear lights, four matte black exhaust tailpipes stacked two-by-two on top of each other, and a performance diffuser to improve

y b d e r Inspi B110, the es the E dieci push f Centoundaries o h all bo ination wit imag eathtaking d its br rmance angn. perfo ering desi pione

motormoto

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orsepo eed is d h e & sp

i’s limit 00 c e di ally 16 nto ronic h. Its ckets e C ct kp ro h ele 380 ower 00kp . to rsep 0-1 nds ho from seco it 2.4 in

Boys love thrill, adrenaline rush, especially when it comes to rides. Who

Need

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downforce. On the inside, Bugatti’s W16 engine makes 1,600 horsepower, rocketing the Centodieci from 0 -100 kph in 2.4 seconds; top speed is electronically limited to 380 kph.

Helping performance is a reduction in weight – 20 kgs the automaker went as far as using a lightweight windshield wiper and filigree exterior mirrors to cut weight.

— Source: www.bugatti.com

for speed pulser magazine OCTOBER 2019

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motormoto

R

oad trips can be real fun and adventurous. They can also be frustrating and enduring if you hit a snag. That ‘s why it’s important to ensure all is on check before you embark on a long road trip.

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Ensure you have the right documents: Before you even think of your car, it is good to think of the necessary documents as you plan your trip. Just as you ensure you have your passport ready for the flight, review your car license and insurance and confirm the expiry date for each. Most insurances expire at the end of the year when you are probably driving back to the city from a long holiday trip and you can imagine the frustration when cops come into the mix. You can renew your license stickers and be road compliant even if it means renewing your licenses before the others expire.

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OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

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Road Trip Hacks

- PULSER WRITER

motormoto Test your lights: From the front to the back of the car, ensure all the lights; the headlights, blinkers, brake lights, hazard lights and reverse lights are in good working order. Testing lights will also ensure that you don’t compromise your safety due to poor road vision. A spare headlight bulb might be useful just in case.

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Test your brakes: Have a sharp ear when it comes to testing your breaks as they could be the difference between life and death. Try to spot any unusual sounds such as squeaking or scraping. As you test the pedals, find out if they go all the way to the floor and if they emanate a burning smell, which could be a sign of danger. This will give you a chance to know if you need to replace the brake pads.

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Check windscreen wipers: For good visibility, your windscreen wipers must be working properly.

Ensure your wipers do not leave behind ugly streak marks.

Among all car accessories, windshield wipers are the cheapest things to buy. You need to replace the rubber fillers and not the whole damn thing. As for washer jets, ensure they are not clogged and are in the right angle. By now we all agree that a messy windshield, side mirror or rear window can cost you an entire outing.

Mind your tires: Minding your tires is like minding your head while climbing stairs on a low upper roof. If not checked, this could shockingly bring you crumbling down. And it might come without warning. There is a standard limit of the tire thread wear so if one of your tires is worn beyond that limit, you need to replace it. It is not advisable to drive a car on a long road trip if it has uneven wear as besides fearing for a puncture, this

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also makes the steer wheel a bit unbalanced while driving.

Also, ensure that all the tires have the recommended pressure as well as good alignment right from the start.

Good battery, good start: We won’t start the lecture on how you need to know if your battery is weak. That is a whole new ball game altogether. Your battery should be replaced at least after every three years in as much as some last up to seven. If you are not ready to buy a new battery for this trip, at least, have the old one tested to see if it can cover the journey. Also, physically, check the battery condition through its terminals; for acid leaks, cracks or any other likely damages.

conditioning and heating system is thought as an affair for the comfort of those inside the car.

However, it also helps remove humidity in case of rain or dull weather. Ensure your mechanic checks the A/C system and advices on this before takeoff.

Engine is king: The entire engine talk might just be mechanics jargon for starters, so let the mechanic check the engine’s condition. Your mechanic car maintenance check should not be overdue. But as for you, check the oil levels before you commence on the journey.

When did you last change the engine oil?

Use an engine oil dipstick to test. The basic facts are that oil that hasn’t been changed for long will look dirty or just dark. If this is the case, change it. Also, since driving with low coolant level causes heating, it is also good to check the engine coolant level in the overflow tank. The levels should usually be between the “Low” and “Full” marks. As for the transmission fluid, you might need to have this checked in the shop where you purchase your car oils as many cars have no transmission dipstick.

Your tool box and emergency kitty: Every Kenyan driver knows by now they should have a fire extinguisher in the car, right?

That is not all. You must also have a basic emergency kit for your car. It contains the jumper cables, a flashlight, pliers, tire pressure gauge, tire sealer-inflator cans and the likes. Don’t leave behind the spanners (God forbid) and your basic stuff such as water battles and a little ice cooler box…if you know what for!

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Ensure the spare tire is on check: You can’t think of embarking on a long journey without a spare tire. The spare tire should be in good condition and ready for substitution if need be. Ensure the tire has the right level of pressure. Usually if it is the small temporary tires (you know those that look like doughnuts), get the pressure right; usually the correct pressure is indicated on the sidewall of the tire.

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The air conditioning factor: Talking about cooling and heating, you must also mind the air conditioning system.

Most of the time, this air

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FOOD — fork n awesome

Ingredients

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3 cups coconut milk The zest of one lemon ½-¾ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ cup dates, maple syrup or sugar ¼ cup finely ground food grade activated charcoal

Instructions 1. Add all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth.

2. Chill in the freezer for an hour or until cold and hard.

3. Scoop and serve right away as soft serve, or leave in the freezer overnight to harden.

4. Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving.

Notes: Using ½ cup lemon juice gives a subtle lime flavour, while ¾ cup allows for more lemon zing.

Try orange juice and orange zest for a creamy orange ice cream.

Don’t worry about the black in your teeth. It won’t stain, like dye would.

It washes right off.

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OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

Black Lemonade Ice cream

recipe ts ien d e r Ing

Black pancakes

1 cup non-dairy milk 1 tbspn apple cider vinegar (ACV) 1 cup all purpose or gluten free flour 1 tspn cinnamon 1 tbspn baking powder 1 tspn baking soda 1 tbspn maple syrup or other sweetener 1 tspn food grade activated charcoal 1 tbsp melted coconut

Instructions In a small bowl, add the non-dairy milk and ACV and set aside to curdle, making vegan buttermilk.

In a large bowl, add the flour,

cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, maple syrup, and charcoal. Mix well.

Add the buttermilk and mix till just combined, forming a thick batter.

(Don’t worry about the lumps).

Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium-high heat with a little coconut oil and spoon the batter into the pan.

Fry until you see many tiny bubbles form on the surface, about two minutes, then carefully flip the pancakes and then cook for another minute or so until the pancakes are cooked through and slightly golden.

Repeat till your batter is done.

Top as desired and serve.

T

he activated charcoal in this recipe transforms the appearance of food and has many health benefits such as removing toxins from the body, alleviating bloating and anti-aging properties.

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COURTESY

— fork n awesome

food

— fork n awesome

lour natural co lack isn’t a on a plate. We are to see t colours; eing brigh used to se ges, and reds, so n greens, ora ave phrases like h n e v e at we ’ and ‘eat much so th ens’, ‘unicorn foods ss black re da ‘eat your g But there exists ba esthetic . ’ na w a o b e v in a nly h the ra that not o t also have unique ts n ie d re g u b in combine the plate, appeal on super healthy and . re ts flavours, a ith other ingredien should o y s well w food u few goth Here are a de in your diet. inclu

B

Oh My

Goth

OCTOBER2019 2019pulser pulsermagazine magazine 20 OCTOBER

Black truffles Being high in protein and cholesterol-free, truffles can help decrease total cholesterol levels. They have an earthy taste and aroma that adds to risottos and seafood.

Activated charcoal Due to its high absorption rate of gases, heavy metals, poisons, and other chemicals, it can aid in digestion, reduce gas & bloating, whiten teeth, reduce high cholesterol and removes toxins. However, its over-consumption may lead to reduced potency of medications, or malnutrition, so ensure you consume it in moderation.

It doesn’t have a noticeable flavour to it, rather it affects your perception towards it, so it can be added to your beverage or food, but with numerous health benefits. It has also been used in toothpaste, face masks and other skincare products. We have an ice cream and pancake recipe for you that uses activated charcoal.

Squid ink Squid ink has been touted as being rich in antioxidants and iron and may prevent the growth of blood vessels that cause cancer cells. It has a neutral flavour and thus very versatile to work with.

COURTESY

Black sesame seeds They are rich in many nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc, which may prevent premature graying of hair, poor memory and hearing loss while maintaining healthy skin, bones, cholesterol levels, digestion plus a healthy heart. You can also make your own black sesame butter. It’s pretty delicious and has a deep rich colour.

Coconut ash and cocoa You know what makes Oreos black? No, it’s not an artificial food colour, rather 98 per cent cacao powder processed with alkali and coconut ash. Yes, read the ingredients. You can use it in your coffee, just don’t add milk as it will mute the black to gray. Ash promotes not only deep black colours, but also brings charred and smoky flavours.

Black garlic Black garlic is considered a superfood with immense antioxidant qualities and cancer-fighting nutrients, but without the garlicky taste. It has a slightly fermented flavour, like sweet potatoes dipped in balsamic vinegar, and works well with Asian and Italian dishes.

You can eat it as is, or as a dressing in salads or as a sauce over proteins like roasted chicken. The complexity and sweet molasses flavour of the garlic is great when cooking pastas. But tread with caution on this one as sometimes the flavour can overwhelm your dish.

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hotspot - PULSER WRITER

Ciala Resort, Kisumu’s finest Serenity, peace and comfort make the menu for any guest visiting Ciala Resort, arguably the hottest spot in Kisumu

S

ituated away from the hustle and bustle of the lakeside city and overlooking beautiful hills, this beautiful gem is a fusion of luxury and art, a visitors’ haven that has become the talk of town.

COURTESY

Rooms The resort has 56 accommodation rooms and offers serene environment for conferences, trainings and workshops, accommodation, wedding receptions and event hosting, dinner and lunch events as well as recreational activities. The buildings are

designed in an English colonial style with a luxurious modern twist. The landscaping and well-manicured lush gardens around the rooms enhance the guest experience making it all the more memorable.

Location This wonder is located 12kms from Kisumu International Airport and 18kms from the city centre.

Excursions Ciala Resort is known for capitalising on creating a lasting memory to guests. It offers custom-made excur-

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sions and itineraries for visitors.

The Pine Restaurant The resort takes pride in housing the Pine Restaurant, which gives guests a choice to enjoy indoor fine dining. The restaurant is designed in an English colonial style with a luxurious modern twist. It offers a fusion of cuisines with influences from continental and pan-African cuisines. The restaurant opens from 6am to 11pm.

The Tulip Bar Tulip Bar is an elegant fusion of a modern and stylish cocktail bar and a classic plush lounge bar with amazing view of the countryside hills and lush gardens. It takes pride in housing the finest mixologists on the lakeside ready to serve

and indulge the guests with exotic signature cocktails at any given time. It has a wide selection of fine whiskeys, wines, local and international beers. They have the ‘happy hour’ offer from Mondays to Fridays, starting from 5pm to 7pm.

Mimosa pool bar and restaurant Mimosa pool bar offers you a perfect spot to will away the afternoon. Overlooking the ‘Infinity’ sun heated pool and the serene gorge of spectacular hills this is where you can enjoy a wide selection of their signature cocktails, mocktails and a selection of both local and international beers. It is also where you can enjoy your weekend BBQ’s, a sure treat of your appetite as you chill under the sun. It opens every

Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

The food For your breakfast, there is an array of options to get your day going. Whether a hot cup of coffee or full buffet, these guys got you covered. Lunch is usually freshly prepared and beautifully presented meal at the Pine Restaurant and will leave you wanting more. The evenings are equally spiced with both buffet and à la carte options available for you.

Meetings and parties This spot is ideal for corporate meetings, weddings, parties and luncheons.

Whether indoor or outdoor, Ciala has the perfect and serene location for you. Be sure to experience convenience at its best while enjoying the modern facilities and amenities.

Games and fun Tulip Bar is specifically a heaven for sport lovers. It is equipped with multiple large HD screens to give you an opportunity to enjoy the latest sports live.

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Mixology — pulser writer

Sinfully

divine I

f there’s one day a year that you can guarantee your drinks will be gaudy and over-the-top, it’s All Hallow’s Eve. It’s all about the witch’s brew. So, pick your poison with one of these scary-delicious cocktails. Even if your bartending skills aren’t up to snuff, there’s no need to be scared: These recipes are extremely easy to make and best of all, even easier to drink. That’s what makes ‘em dangerously good, don’t ya think?

The Black Devil Martini is like a smooth criminal.

the Martini glasses rims with lime and dip them in the coloured sugar. Mix the dark Martini and some vermouth and shake well. Now pour the dark Black Devil Martini into the shimmering glasses and serve.

Black Licorice Widow Martini If you are adventurous, this is one horrifying cocktail you need to try. You need two ounces black vodka, one ounce Jägermeister, one ounce of blueberry pomegranate juice and two black licorice rope for garnish. Shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain the mixture into a martini glass and serve.

Black Widow Martini Pour one tablespoon of pomegranate juice in circle in the centre of small plate. In centre of another small plate, sprinkle coarse sugar. Turn martini glass upside down and dip rim of glass in juice, spinning back and forth until coated. Then dip rim of glass in sugar, spinning back and forth until coated. Repeat with two more martini glasses. Now, this black rum will get you to see palm trees!

The Blackbeard As the name suggests, the Blackbeard actually looks like one once served in a pint glass. And it is pretty easy to make. You simply need two shots of Bacardi Carta Blanca light tun, a quarter unit Guinness stout and Coca-Cola to top up. Pour the ingredients in glass and serve for a wicked good time.

The Black Devil Martini is like a smooth criminal. It is easy to have the colours fool you.

This is a combination of Martini and vermouth.

Take some sugar in a bag and add orange food colour to it. Squeeze lime onto a saucer and dip

OCTOBER2019 2019pulser pulsermagazine magazine 24 OCTOBER

COURTESY

Black Devil Martini

wines

Hershey’s Kisses/Bar Think late harvest, ice wine, sherry, port, tawny port, ruby port or a Zinfandel - this classic candy will seem to have slight berry flavours woven into every bite when paired with either varietal. PS, I recommend a 1995 bottle of Hillebrand Estates barrel aged Ice Wine. It’s divine.

Kit Kat Kit Kats, pinot noir, Prosecco and

—wairimu nyingi

champagne are the perfect complement. Take the Iona Mr P Pinot Noir, the bold flavours of cherry and plum will make this wafer candy taste like an adult version of a chocolate dipped cherry. It will also help elevate the chocolate flavours.

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W

ho says Halloween is just for kids? Forget the sweets wine is adult candy. One of the best parts of being an adult in October is putting a 21+ spin on Halloween traditions. So, let Pulser put a spell on you this Hallow’s Eve with a devilish candy and wine pairing.

Snickers It takes a special wine to pair with the strong flavours of caramel, peanuts and milk chocolate. For instance, the Saxenburg 2013 Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon should do the trick. It is bold enough to stand up to the the rich flavours found in a Snickers bar, and complement the saltiness of the nuts.

M&M’s M&M’s are pretty great, but add a

Trick or Treat? glass of merlot, and they are impossible to put down. The milk chocolate and hard candy coating pairs well with the velvety tannins of a merlot offering a smooth finish to the sweet chocolate.

Sour candies Sour candies such as gummies call for a juicy, fruit-centric wine like the Ken Forrester Petit Sauvignon Blanc - it will pair nicely with fruity

candies.

Dark chocolate peppermint The cool combination of dark chocolate and smooth mint goes best with a bold red. Take Odd Bins 971 2014 blend of Mourvèdre and Shiraz. Its flavours of violets, white and black pepper and subtle liquorice makes for an unbeatable combination.

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hot of the month — boniface mithika

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COURTESY

OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

clear

Crystal

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al t s y r C t n The curre-up simply Axis line of likeconsists ndividuals minded i same with the ions and goals, vis beliefs.

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rystal Axis is a five-piece Afropunk band from Nairobi, Kenya. The band plays a cosmopolitan blend of punk, grunge, post-rock and alternative music and are often referred to as “the godfathers of Kenyan punk.”

“Punk as wild rebellious freedom. It is freedom of thought and expression from the wild side. The energy the genre provides simply speaks to us, and many others. I mean who doesn’t want to shout out what you believe in every now and then,” says Ahmed, a band member.

Crystal Axis was started way back in 2009. Back then, they were known as Inertia. They have been actively gigging and recording as a band for 10 years now and have no intentions of stopping any time soon. Individually, Ronjey used to play for The Awakening, one of the first punk bands in Kenya and Fox used to play for Jack the Hammer, arguably one of the greatest hardcore bands to grace Kenyan soil.

Their music focuses on African history as the band aims to tell African stories through their music. The five-piece band includes: Ahmed Bulhan, Tu rn

lead vocalist well known for his charismatic live performances and is more often than not compared to Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury due to his mastery and delivery of antics. Ahmed doubles up as a Human Rights lawyer.

The charming tune of the drums are often played by Francis Ronjey,often described as ‘Rocktopus’ due to his prowess in drumming. While on the other hand the bass is always pumped across by none other but Douglas Kihoro, who in as much as he is skilled in the bass, he also plays keys, guitarmand synth. Douglas has been a member of the same band since day one and is also a respected sought-after marketing executive.

When it comes to vocals, we all leave it for Fox Elijahwho also plays guitar. Fox is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist. A nomad of sorts, he has performed all over the world; Canada, Uganda, USA and Ghana. He is a talented rapper and music producer and is one of the founders of the music collective BLK GLD RPLK. The other main pillar of the band is Djae Aroniwho plays guitar and is the

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hot of the month

—BONIFACE MITHIKA

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8

nd u o s t o o r Well our in Punk is based s. But we influence and just take thatsounds do what right to and feelse you get us, henc .

Afropunk o Turn t

founding member of Crystal Axis - he started the band at the tender age of 15. By day, he is a lawyer, but also doubles up as music producer, and composer.

The current Crystal Axis line-up consists of like-minded individuals with the same goals, visions and beliefs. “Truthfully, we all gravitated towards each other as musicians. We genuinely just found one another and everything seemed to fit in place. We haven’t looked back since.

Everyone in the band is an exceptional musician with years of experience, and we each bring something unique to the table be it showmanship, songwriting, technical ability, etc. Each member is irreplaceable,” Djae says.

Although rock music is not that much mainstream compared to other genres in Nairobi, Crystal Axis have cut a niche for themselves due to the peculiar sound.

“One of the main aspects would be the fact that a majority of Kenyans, and Africans in general, treat local bands as a novelty of sorts.

They are simply not affording the same time as other artistes due to the differences in genre. I mean, you could literally count on one hand how many stations in Kenya currently play rock music. Another element is the simple fact that a large amount of Kenyans are unaware there is a rock scene in existence, people simply do not know we are here. Ironically, Kenya has one of the most progressive rock scenes in Africa and we’ve had several big name artistes perform in the country. There is a lack of awareness, and truthfully, we as members of the scene must do better to spread the word and let people know we’re here and ready to rock” says Djae Aroni.

While choosing to do Afropunk, which means ‘African punk rock’ the band members explain that punk rock has traditionally been a political genre in terms of the themes it addresses. In the past, punk bands have gone where other musicians shy away from and that has been part of the pull for Crystal Axis.

“In many ways, punk rock has offered a lot of musical freedom and given us room to express ourselves outside of the conventional forms. It has allowed us to tell our stories from a different point of view. We did not ‘settle’ on this genre, we found our sound,” says Djae.

“Well our root sound is based in Punk influences. But we take that and just do what sounds and feels right to us, hence you get Afropunk. Punk with Afrocentric themes coming from African voices,” Confirms Ahmed Bulhan.

Since inception of the band, members have shared stages with punk rock behemoths Stick To Your Guns(USA) and Stray From The Path(USA). They have also been invited to perform in London at the annual Decolonise Music Festival.

“We’ve been consistently featured on Afropunk and more recently, London-based magazine, The Wire. We were the first punk band pg 30

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hot of the month

—BONIFACE MITHIKA

COURTESY

what w e i v e l in a peop t r e c a h t we do wi f novelty degree o it is not whereby the same afforded eriousness level of s genres. as other 30

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to perform at Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja, Uganda. We’ve also had the pleasure of interacting with our hero’s Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine. We have major projects coming, but we are not at liberty to divulge that information. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, we’ve got something huge in the works.” Says Aroni, the founding father of Crystal Axis.

Their most recent single, Leopold is a punk rock thriller about King Leopold II of Belgium and the atrocities he committed in Congo. Their initial motive, which is to tell African stories through and African narrative is well articulated in their works since as a band they believe it is their duty to use their voice to bring to light what history books have chosen to overlook.

“For instance, almost everyone on this planet knows about Hitler, but few know about King Leopold and at some point you have to ask yourself “why is that?”. Leopold massacred millions of Africans yet we are not taught about him. Is it because African lives are lesser?

The effects of Leopold’s bloody reign are felt until this day and the

Congo, despite being the most resource rich country in the world, is in a dire state as a direct result of colonisation and European tyranny,” says Aroni.

Their debut E.P (extended playlist) State of Unease was about the political instability Kenya experienced as a nation during the 2007-08 post-election violence, while their newest single is called Nyayo House.

Although they have already managed to grasp a spot in the industry, Aroni still believes there’s more to be done when it comes to rock music and this has been a major hurdle not just to creatives, but fans who do not necessarily get the music they deserve.

“Rock is not a mainstream genre in Kenya, or Africa. It’s twice the challenge given we play punk, a relatively niche genre. As mentioned earlier, people still view what we do with a certain degree of novelty whereby it is not afforded the same level of seriousness as other genres. The rock scene also lacks facilities, whereas many other genres have the support of media houses, and even access to music executives,” he

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says. “We don’t really have a lot of rock gigs, investment support, opportunities to work with other artists or brands. Therefore, we fund everything out of our pockets. But every gig we play, both non-rock listeners and fans alike, enjoy the energy we bring. We played at J’s last month for their first ever Rock Night and a lot of people who are usually there to listen to mainstream music really had a blast,” chides in Ahmed.

Debunking the notion that rock music is majorly related with blood and Satanism the band believes this is just a stereotype that holds no water. “To outright associate rock with blood and violence is a misconception that needs to change. While these attitudes have changed drastically in the West, the unfortunate truth is that Africans still hold on to the outdated notions and in the end they’re ultimately put off from the genre as a result of this misinformation,” Aroni clarifies, sentiments that were clearly echoed by his colleague Ahmed, ‘Well firstly, I think every genre has a minor group that creates a mainstream stereotypical label. Hip-hop has misogyny and materialism. Electronic music has party animals. Now that’s in no way to say rock doesn’t have rebellious and anti-establishment themes,” he says.

hot

To ou asso tright bloodciate rock is a m and viol with that n isconcepence chan eeds to tion ge. pulser magazine OCTOBER OCTOBER 2019

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Embrace the

Sandsto

orm

COURTESY

hot of the month

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andstorm bags have been made in Nairobi since 2002. They are inspired by the city, using the same skills and materials as safari tents.

In this fashion spread, Pulser introduces the new collection of women’s bags, made with high-quality natural dry milled leather (NDM).

Natural dry milled leather is tumbled in a large drum to produce a softer, more pliable leather with the process creating a slight “pebble” appearance in the surface of the leather.

Sandstorm are now taking the finish a step further by adding golden brass zips and edge painting the raw edges of the leather.

Tur 34, n to p 35, gs 36, &3 7

Cat her ine Clut ch B ag

FASHION - PULSER WRITER

It is a small clutch bag, with an internal zipped pocket and push pocket, with a wristlet to put your wrist through to assist with securing it while carrying. It is an ageless bag adding a glamorous and modern touch for your day or night look. It comes in black, dark drown and maroon natural milled leather.

Mary, belt bag in black milled leather.

Ksh12,900 Features hand-cast brass hardware and solid brass zip.

COURTESY

Har riet Clut ch B ag It is a large clutch bag, with an internal zipped pocket and push pocket with a sleeve to put your hand through when carrying. It also has a wristlet for secure and easy carrying. The bag is sufficient to carry a large range of items for a night out or even tablet if using during the day. It comes in black, dark brown and maroon natural milled leather.

Print bikini paired with red round earrings

OCTOBER2019 2019pulser pulsermagazine magazine 34 OCTOBER

Mary, belt bag in dark brown milled leather. Ksh12,900 Internal pockets make it easy to organise your things.

Mary, belt bag in black milled leather. Ksh12,900 Perfect for any time of day, whatever the occasion.

Provinah, cross-body bag in maroon milled leather. Ksh13,900 Fully adjustable shoulder strap with hand-cast brass buckle.

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FASHION - PULSER WRITER

Harriet, large clutch in dark brown milled leather. Ksh8,900 A spacious large clutch that holds your belongings while retaining an elegant look.

Provinah, cross-body bag in black milled leather.

Ksh13,900 Features hand-cast brass hardware and solid brass zip.

Bag elt B ry Ma The Mary Belt Bag has an internal zip pocket, push pocket and organiser. This durable and compact style can be worn as a crossbody or secured around your waist for hands-free convenience of your daily or nightly essentials. It comes in black, dark brown and maroon natural milled leather.

OCTOBER2019 2019pulser pulsermagazine magazine 36 OCTOBER

Bag ody B s s Cro inah Prov The Provinah Cross Body Bag has an internal zip pocket, push pocket and organiser. It is easy to sling on as you’re heading out the door, it is designed to keep daily essentials hands-free and close by. It comes in black, dark brown and maroon natural milled leather.

Moshi, backpack in black canvas with tan leather trim.

Ksh15,900 Stylish backpack with external pockets and internal laptop compartment for when you’re on the go.

COURTESY

Catherine, small clutch in black milled leather. Ksh7,900 Smart small clutch with delicate wrist strap.

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COVERSTORY coverstory

The

New

W i ll oz y

COURTESY

- PULSER WRITER

38 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

coverstory

SERAH 0

g 4 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine op nt Tur

igor fain

BRAINY & BEAUTIFUL

COURTESY

zZe

Honestly, we had nothing serious planned with Nandy. One thing led to the other and we decided to do a collabo.

39

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coverstory coverstory

- PULSER WRITER

Fro m

pg 3

9

T

he transition of Wilson Abubakar Radido aka Willy Pozze from gospel music to secular pop and R&B has been drastic. Critics have accused him of leaving the way of the cross and misleading his religious fans. He has no apology to make. He says he is not God. He says all should embrace and get used to the new Willy Poze as he takes up ‘my new journey’.

Piano notes rent the air, a good harmony fusing magically with a heavy kick. It is a tune never heard before. Willy Poze is striking the major keys. He is learning chords and noticing patterns. His finger placement and the master humming tells me he has been on this instrument for a while now.

Not perfect. No. Not yet. There are goofs here and there.

Sometimes the fingers are taping the wrong keys. He still can’t get the bright, the high concentration of higher harmonics. For now, he can play with the mellow tone, fewer upper harmonics that are necessary for the fundamental tunes. This is the pride of any piano beginner and Willy Poze is one. Carefully, he tries to sing to the tune. A new tune that is part of his redefining.

“I am not yet good at this. I just started playing the piano the other day. Slowly by slowly, I am getting there. Slowly, I am becoming a full package, musically speaking,” a light smile beams his face, he says, turning back to me for an applaud high-five.

We are at Willy Poze’s Saldido Records, his new audio and production stable situated at Sosion Estate in the outskirts of Nairobi city. Infact, Willy has been keeping us at the stable for almost an hour under the care of one of his producers Thomas Kadege. He has been at Greenspan Estate at the popular Teddy B audio studio where he is finalizing one of his new projects. As the clock ticks 10pm, one of his latest acquisitions, a white Mercedes Benz, booming with music, illuminates the heavily secure gate. Like a star, this is how he announces his arrival at the otherwise sleeping estate. He is sorry for the delay, sentiments that are echoed by Kevin, one of his trusted friend who has accompanied him on this night.

Even though cued with a sense of impatience and anxiety, this waiting hasn’t been a dull moment. Saldido Records is quite a music theatre. It is a fully pledged studio where we have been sampling Willy Poze’s new projects; documentaries and upcoming videos included. Fully sound-proofed, the expansive room houses the mixing and mastering unit, there are two recording booths with suspended mics, a music producer’s rare room and an instruments corner. His office is magnificently decorated, classy mahogany furniture commanding authority and wall hangings bearing pictures of almost all African music new-generation icons; from Sauti Sol, Wiz Kid, Diamond and many more decorating the walls. I even notice one of Bahati, Willy Paul’s assumed nemesis well placed among the rest – as if to declare his inspiration and competition alike. He says they are not enemies with Bahati as people assume. He clears that the past is behind them adding there is no space for carrying baggage in his new journey. This award-winning Saldido Records CEO has been making headlines all year with showbiz writes seeking to

40 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

I am awar well have e critics tryin been all m g to crac of th anner k surro ings my l unding ife.’

coverstory

COURTESY

demystify his transition; his drastic trajectory from gospel to secular music, a mater that has both friends and foes on the edge, uncertain of his next move. The 1993-born who was raised in the slums of Mathare has become a continental phenomenal having conquered all the odds in a Kenyan gospel environment that has condemned him harshly as a misleading mentor to the youth. Not that the youth don’t like him. Rather, it could still be a case of a hypocritical society, a Kenyan culture where anyone who tries to change the status quo is condemned as a rebel. He is currently the greatest performer and entertainer in the country, one who has had the most successful year breaking through the borders and amassing a new obsessive following across the continent and beyond. Not that his critics could be wrong. His transition is nothing usual. The rumours on his multiple dates and fathering outside marriage must raise eyebrows. His riches and enormous investments in and out of the city just eight years into the game could mean fishy businesses. And so could his new found associations with politicians and men in high places.

“I am well aware critics have been trying to crack all manner of things surrounding my life. I even heard some are saying I have been recruited into illuminati. That does not bother me though. Not at all,” he says in a low tone as he weaves his fingers on the piano keys.

“But let me make it very clear to everybody out there.

Everyone who knows, hears and talks about Willy Pozze.

Embrace yourselves. It is about to get lit. There is a completely new Willy Pozze in the making,” he warns and leans back, deep in thought.

“This is the first interview during which I am talking about this matter. Those who are willing to cross to the other side with me are welcome. I am welcoming their support and prayers. Those who won’t like the new Willy Pozze can remain behind. Too bad. It was just a journey. Maybe we will meet-up one day and shake hands,” says the star whose new Chuchuma single, a music video with bootylicious vixens gyrating with sexual allure, passed a clear message that the Sitolia singer had jumped off the gospel box.

Having started off his music career as a gospel artiste eight years ago with his Rabuka before getting his major breakthrough when he did a collaboration, Sitolia, with famed female gospel singer Gloria Muliro, Willy Pozze was known to reflect his life history, that of a boy raised in a humble manner, a narration of what God can do in transforming someone. It was a picture of an artiste whose triumph after the challenges renewed hope. His father, of Ugandan descent, had perished after a prolonged battle with disease and his mother – an immigrant from Tanzania - could not raise enough to support the family. This had forced Willy Poze to take up odd jobs till he took up singing.

After Sitolia, in what was a successful 2012 and 2013 season, the then budding star released Mpenzi, You Never Know, Lala Salama, Missi, Tam Tam (with Size 8) and Kitanzi, the latter being a compromise single he recorded with Gloria again after their much publicised beef over their Sitolia revenue share. With all the songs making Willy Pozze a household name across Kenya, Tam Tam was in particular the big hit that got him nominated for numerous awards most of which he won in 2013.

Then, having become the new talk-about in town, Willy Turn to pgs 38 & 39

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Pozze closed the year in style as he launched his debut album You Never Know in a ceremony held at the KICC, a big gospel night that featured gospel greats among them Daddy Owen, Ben Githae, Gloria Muliro, DK Kwenye Beat, Ben Bahati, Bahati, Men Of God (MOG), Size 8, Mr Seed, Shiru Wa GP, Betty Bayo, Danny Gift, DJ Sadic and DJ Mo. With this windfall, in March 2014, the on-demand youthful, talented and trendy singer embarked on a tour of the US, an outing that opened up his mind and enlarged his vision.

“Back then, I would feel that one day I’d blow up to become a big artiste, but it never hit me that this would come so fast. I sincerely thank God for speeding up things and helping me attain so much in a short time,” remarks the singer and songwriter who has recently become a fashion trendsetter.

“It is a good feeling. I am happy God has made all this possible. When I took the US tour, so many doors opened for me and my perspective also shifted. I was privileged to meet powerful people like 50 Cent the American hip hop icon, Tommy Lee from Jamaica and Hilary Clinton. Brushing shoulders with great men and women impacts you to think big,” says Willy Pozze noting that as he was completing his eight-state visit, he knew the sky was now the limit.

With many embracing him as the new force in Kenyan gospel, Willy Pozze dislodged the big names in the industry and took a firm lead, consistently releasing hits among them Vigelegele, Mapenzi Take It Slow, Fanya and Mamangu. He dominated music concerts and fell in favour with major corporates that signed major deals with him helping him become the highest paid musician in the country. Even if he is caged on his performance worth back in the 2016 highlight and formative year, it is estimated that Willy Poze would be paid between Sh200,000 and Sh1.5 million for concerts, in and outside the country, rates that many Kenyan artistes can only dream of to-date.

However, things would later take a turn.

Come 2017, the singer shocked many after he announced that he was in love with Jamaican singer Alaine whom he even went further announcing he would soon marry. To hike the unexpected move, Alaine expressed the same sentiments and even flew to Nairobi, Kenya, were the two could be spotted together in social places looking the part. Hooked hip to bone, they could be spotted in entertainment spots and shopping malls. It is still believed that Alaine was living in Willy Poze’s residence in Syokimau,

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Machakos County, then. In a sharp twist, the two released a love song, a wedding hit dubbed, I Do. The big marriage story had all been a prank after all. It worked for them. The song hit millions of views on YouTube and for weeks, Willy and Alaine were the trending topic on social platforms. And even though many gospel artistes in Kenya had started to sound contemporary then, this song was a sign that Willy Pozze was starting to shift towards the secular music world.

That didn’t take long to confirm. Come 2018, the singer went ahead to solicit the services of yet another Jamaican singer Ce’cile with whom he recorded yet another hit song, Sikireti, yet another pop love song. It was the same year he released Kanungo, yet another controversial track. The climax of things was his Jigi Jigi and Mmmh follow up tracks, and then the blast, Njiwa and Hallelujah with the hottest female star from Tanzania, Nandy.

“Honestly, we had nothing serious planned with Nandy. One thing led to the other and we decided to do a collabo. The chemistry in the videos as well as on stage during performances became wild and so we decided to run with the hype. Everyone likes to see us perform together.

This is art. After all, I am the best stage

performer in the whole of East Africa,” Willy Poze clarifies on his perceived romantic affair with Nandy who has in the past said she felt for Willy Paul after people criticised him for their bedroom act in the Hallelujah project.

“Nandy is a good actress and performer. But then again, if you think that was it, then be warned, there is much more stuff that will leave the industry talking. What I am about to release no one has ever imagined before.

“I never lived to see E-Sir. But I am aware that he was a big teen star, releasing one hit after another. If E-Sir woke up today, he would be proud of what I am doing. I am the big star now and I have tens and tens of hit songs ready for release. I am blowing up across the Africa and the whole world should know that I am coming,” emphatically, Willy says before taking a pose and asking me to hold on the interview.

On the screen, he plays a yet to be released video with Jamaica’s Samantha J, and another with an American star whom he asks me not to name, then another with a top Rwandese pop star, the latter being the project he will be releasing next.

“I applaud the likes of Khaligraph Jones, Juacali and Octopizzo as well as Sauti Sol for recognising where I am taking this game. And

agitated. A bit furious. A bit nervous. As I give him time to compose himself, I recall the many accusations he has had to endure, especially from girls who have made claims of sexual harassment from him as well as others who have framed him as simply immoral. This is actually what is going through his mind.

“I have seen stories of girls claiming that I do DM them. Others saying I am in love with them.

Some rush to bloggers or simply post screen shots of our conversations and then I wonder, what was the aim of our conversation at all?

They want instant fame for being mentioned with Willy Poze. Some simply want to spoil my name. It’s crazy out here being a big shot and

Back then, I would feel that one day I’d blow up to become a big artiste, but it never hit me that this would come so fast.

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coverstory one has to watch their back. Sometimes you never know where it is all coming from,” he notes adding that sometimes the enemy is the guy behind the shadows.

“Girls love me. Girls love Willy Pozze. So when you see and hear all those stories, think deeper and find out what the bigger story could be. The enemy is bigger than that. But I am not afraid.

My life and talent are in God’s hand. My focus can’t be waivered by empty threats and side shows,” stunningly, he vows.

Indeed, the instances that look damning recipes of ruining his career have been enormous and weighty. Not so long ago, a girl went on Instagram claimed that he was aggressive and rude after she refused to give him her phone number.

“This is my page. No one pays me, so no one should talk smack. So whatever your position in this life, if you don’t respect me ‘idgaf’ about you,” he wrote warning those who were bashing at him over the post.

Then there was one Susan Mwaniki, a student at Mount Kenya University, who also accused the singer of physically abusing her and threatening to kill her.

“We were in the car heading to his home in Syokimau from Juja when he asked me if I was talking to his pal called Kelvin,” Susan is quoted to have told popular showbiz column Word Is. “Willy Paul grabbed my phone and searched for his number on WhatsApp and SMSes. He went wild and started threatening me. I knew he was violent, but I did not think he would beat me up,” the story goes after which she claims to have reported the matter at the Thika Police Station.

“People believe in all this crap? Isn’t it rather absurd that one can make up stories like this?

Like I told you, it’s good to know who your real enemy is,” he responds on the claims.

Diverging from the dirt, Willy Poze says only people close to him can talk the truth about him.

He passionately reveals that he is a father to a one-year-old baby boy whom he has chosen to protect from public eye.

“I am a loving father to my son whom I love and care for. Soon, when time is right, I will reveal his true identity as well as that of the mother.

Once you become a grown up, some things become clear. Some responsibilities must be taken and so in this matter I have nothing to hide.

Getting the baby was not an accident. There are no regrets on this matter. These are the kind of things that keep me focused. These are motivations for me to work hard and become a better man. When I am not recording music, I spend time with the mother of my son and him - family is everything. There is no better place you can find comfort than being at the place where your people are,” he concludes.

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hustle & life — Tony Mochama

w t fo th of em wo

The twilight

of rock I

n history, the Ides of March is the middle of March, 44 BC, when over sixty Roman Senators stabbed the great Roman conqueror Julius Caesar to death at the Theatre of Pompey (in modern day Rome, Italia).

For local Kenyan rock lovers, the Ides of March happened 2063 years after the assassination of Julius Caesar, when Radio Africa group decided to cannibalise the only rock station in the region, XFM. They used its 105.5 FM frequency to switch to a new radio channel called Smooth FM, meant to capture the R&B audience that the death of NMG’s Easy FM had left audio abandoned, without rhythm in their blue period. For a long time, and on a global scale, rock not only rocked and rolled. It also ruled and reigned, with the richest and most listened to artistes being rockstars.

For example, when Chester Bennington died by suicide in his mansion in Palos Verdes, California, on July 20, 2017, his band, Linkin Park was worth about U.S. $150 million (id est, 15 billion Kenya shillings).

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By a bizarre coincidence, that was the day Nielsen statistics revealed that, for the first time ever in history, hip-hop and R&B had just overtaken rock as the most consumed global genre of music, ever.

Even ‘Electronic Dance Music’ (EDM) has caught onto rock as a genre, and is now impudently flashing overtaking lights at it, on that road called ‘My Way or the Highway.’

While the world mourned Linkin Park’s front man, few realised the words of their ‘Shadow of The Day’ would, someday, equally apply to his suicide and homicide of the rock genre - of music he so loved (but, in the end, not enough to save him, or his soul, from the likes of soul music). ‘And the sun will set for you/ the sun will set for you/ and the shadows of the day/ will embrace the world in gray …’ Yet, in Kenya, the rock audience was always on the periphery of the popular culture in the country. Fringe freaks, urban weirdoes and a few rural outliers on the circumference of musical culture, circling around the genre the way Red Indians circled white wagons on the old Western frontier.

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‘And the will set f sun the sun or you/ w or you/ ill set he shad and o the day/ws mbrace will orld in gthe ray …’

You like hip hop, local music, rap, rhumba, bongo, oga, kwaito, or even (that crap called) Trap?

You were okay, you are okay in Kenya, because that was, still and always be part of our music mainstream.

At best, it was strange – like one had just confessed that they collect moon rocks in their spare time; and at worst, it was downright Satanic. For example, one of the hugest monsters of rock, the band called Metallica, has a song called ‘Until It Sleeps’ with a subversive Biblical-themed video (check it out on YouTube).

Yet unless you are a teenager, like I was when I watched my first ever rock video (on late night KTN, can you believe in the mid-90s), Metallica’s ‘Sand Man,’ the bogey-men of rock are as fictitious as its association with devil worship or rituals; as much a myth as the Lake Victoria legend of a whirlwind of demons called the nyawawa, who sweep in from the lake and swoop through family compounds, like some evil spirit monster’s ball. Yet for a decadent decade there, back in the aughts of this century, we actually had a rock culture that, if as an ORF (Original Rock Father) I had to nail down, was solid from mid-2000 to the end of 2010.

Jesus Christ had a star in the sky to mark His birth.

Rock music in Kenya had Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s My Life’ starting the May of the year 2000. I can still recall how crazy the crowded dance floor in Carnivore would go, back in that oh oh, when the opening line of that Bon Jovi song would come on, with DJ Ben (no VJs then) working the decks: ‘This ain’t a song for the broken-hearted … I ain’t gonna be just a face in the crowd/ you are gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud.’ Then there would be a defiant roar from the many-tongued, multi-mouthed Carnivorous Beast: ‘It’s my life, it’s now or never …’ And since we Kenyans like the inspirational and love the aspirational, it is no surprise, as Daughtery would sing (another local rock favourite) that that Bon Jovi song would be the first anthem of Kenya’s first Reich of Rock. At the time, as it must have felt to Corporal Adolf back in the January of 1933, having rock get into the mainstream of a local black African society felt like a great triumph of the will to us ORFs. And why not?

Thanks to KTN, rock consciousness had gotten into the national vein through the TV screen – albeit not a main beloved nerve, but rather like deep vein thrombosis, but we didn’t mind the how, so long as we knew The Who? (that’s an insider reference for the ORFs, you’ll only understand if you are to read it sdrawkcab).

That was in the early 1990s – and only if you stayed up from 10.45 pm to 12.30 am on Saturday nights. In the mid-1990s, a rock club called Black Cotton surfaced deep in the interiors of Karen – when Karen still had lots of woods and KCs – which meant finding ‘Black Cotton’ back then was as difficult as finding a cadaver contained in a sealed drum hidden in a septic tank buried in a borehole behind a backyard. You had to have not only a 4WD car, a wad of cash, but also a white friend (or at least a black mate with a mzungu friend) to show you how to get to Black Cotton on a Friday night to listen to good rock music.

Then an entrepreneur called Don Smith (who would later found Fly 540) started a rock club and bar right on Langata Road in the late 90s. Which meant every common miro rocker type, including college kids like the Tatu Trio, current Qatar regional Chief Accountant Julianna Mwaura and current Centum CEO James Mworia (who lived next door) could all just go to Psys for rock on Saturday nights

(and all was alright). The rock scene and sound in the mid-aughts would move to Choices on Baricho road and enjoy a long seven year run, with a club called Zeeps holding forth on Thursday nights (very near the Dedan Kimathi statue) with Mojo’s on Tuesday being the last of the musical mohicans today, next to then Tropez. But in the 2000s, when Carnivore was king of the club, long before lounges like Kiza joined the jungle, Wednesday was the rock night theme/genre, and the place was crowded, by 9pm, by Kenyans of all races and ages (18-year-old college girls to 81-year-old mzungu pervs) all the way till the official closing time of 3am.; with cars and cabs crowded outside like crocs awaiting wildebeest by the river. Just think about that for a minute. Hundreds of working, studying folk hanging out midweek in Kenya, for a night out of rock music!

With mainstream clubs holding regular rock nights, weekly, including Kengele’s at that Nyayo Stadium intersection, and mainstream radio stations like Capital 98.4 FM with daily mid-morning rock shows (not to mention weekend Top Thirty countdowns), it was only a matter of time before a 24 hour rock radio station in Kenya became inevitable. Stars like Fareed Khimani, Pinky Ghelani, Eve d’Souza, Esther Arunga and later Nick Ndenda were the radio gods/goddesses of rock – and even our own Solomon Koko had a stint as a TV rock show host on STV. More importantly, there was a young generation of Kenyan youth so dedicated to the genre – starting with Murfy’s Flaw long ago to the now demised great metallers Last Year’s Tragedy – that they not only formed bands, but did actual shows and battle of the bands in places like Choices and the Go Down. With all this rock action going on, October in Kenya became dubbed ‘Rocktober,’ with various musical organisers like Mike Slaughter Tawfique and even rich young investors from the diaspora like the ‘Rock Doc’ Jabez putting up rock music events every October in places like The Barn on Ngong Racecourse.

But as the bands disbanded, with their mostly youthful affluent kids going off to college, and the slightly younger ones behind them going soft and online (kids’ heroes/ heroines these days aren’t hardcore leather and alcohol types causing mayhem, but more plastic, lollipop suckers who like to vape), it became harder to sustain the core of either club or radio core. And rock, being a very existential medium, became a bit lost in translation. It is a genre that is difficult in its essence, to bottle and release to others via being streamed on device, since rock relies on the pre/ neo-Internet age when its footage created an aura around an atmosphere. Rock is all about the re-ignition of darker, wilder, turned up/tuned out passions of rebellion, not the chilled, ‘lemme relax n tune in’ (and belong together) music that the digital form creates these years.

And as the summer of 69/79/89 generation discovers that they, literally, have become that guy/gal in the Bryan Adam’s persona who is ‘eighteen, going on 55…’ the real 18-year-old and those born in the ‘summer of ‘99’ are discovering, for the very first time, a world without rock, where all is liquid form. Nevertheless, in the same way there are dead stars like Betelgeuse (the movie Beetle Juice had great rock songs) that continue to light up the night sky, rock music will continue to echo through the years.

As they say, rock and roll can never truly die; and the only? is if it returns as zombie, or reincarnation.

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travel — Pulser Writer

Doors, dhows and all things spice 46

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I

t would be rather ignorant to talk about Zanzibar’s history without factoring its link with Oman and the Kenyan Coast specifically Fort Jesus where it all ended.

In 1698, Oman ended the Portuguese dominance of the Indian Ocean trade routes once and for all. They had captured their main base in Kenya, Fort Jesus, in Mombasa to cripple the Portuguese launch base. And in the merciless onslaught, Oman set its sight on Zanzibar where they build the Old Fort in what we presently know as Stone Town in a move to defend the island.

That was in 1710s.

The story is told of how in 1806, Sayyid Said Bin Sultan Al Bu, the Sultan of Oman took power in Muscat before visiting Zanzibar in 1828. He fell in love with the island’s fascinating charm and its potential business opportunities, especially for spice trade. Obsessed and leaving nothing to chance, he moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar and commanded that everyone should grow cloves. For centuries, Zanzibar became the ‘Spice Island’, the pillar of spice trade across Africa and other regions who were part of the booming business in the Indian Ocean.

Shortest war in history

It wasn’t just a sweet ties that bind affair. Slave trade was rampant, evidently today by the many Oman people who can trace their ancestry to Zanzibar Island. It took a warning from the British to end slave trade. In 1862 after Sultan Said died in Seychelles, a succession battle broke ending the ties between Zanzibar and Oman and making them independent sultanates with each ironically getting ruled by a son of Sultan Said. It didn’t end there, in 1890, the British Empire took over Zanzibar making it its protectorate during the Anglo-Zanzibar war. This was the shortest war in history. It lasted 38 minutes.

Besides, Zanzibar is where Swahili – East Africa’s main language and Africa’s foremost lingua franca – was born. The

as excursions, cocktail of charms that makes the island one of the few that would be ideal destinations for people of all ages and interests.

Magnificent wooden doors

word which is derived from the Arab word ‘sawahil’, meaning coast, evolved from widespread intermarriage between the locals and Shirazi Persian Arabs who settled in the East Africa Coast in the 11th and 12th century.

Zanzibar’s history

And so how rich and enchanting is the history of Zanzibar, an archipelago of semi-autonomous islands - of Tanzania - the most famous being Unguja, which is located 25 kilometers from the mainland Coast at Dar es Salaam. Others include Pemba and Mafia. Even though most tropical island commonly pride themselves in the eclectic fusion of white sand exotic beaches, tropical sun and the India waters, Zanzibar is unique for its detailed history and cultural heritage. Magnificently, it evokes thoughts of the warm tropical winds and exotic spices well blended with modern-day safari offers such

Stone town, Zanzibar’s main town is a study in antiquated structures unique for its narrow and winding alleys, artifacts bazaars, heavy brass-studded wooden doors and towering old age mosques, an ancient ensemble that makes it memorable, casting any visitor into curiosity over a distance era. The doors are part of the rich history that is Stone Town, with the Swahili culture, which is a blend of Middle Eastern, Arab, European and Asian cultures.

Symbolically, this door was the badge of rank and a matter of great honour amongst merchant society. Even though most look abandoned threatening an end of an era and indeed a conversion into ruins of one of East Africa’s biggest tourist attraction, remaining doors actually date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

These doors that have now been put under the watch of Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority are approximately 560. They bare

the Arab influence; square and bearing geometric designs.

The doors which originated from the Persian Gulf region are characterised by heavy jambs and ornately carved surfaces to match the solid coral rag construction of the houses. There are also newer doors that bare the 19th century Indian influence whose main features are arched tops and floral designs. According to residents, the doors with large brass spikes are a modification of a tradition from India where doors were spiked as a defense against elephants in war.

AT A GLANCE Where to stay Getting good accommodation depends on your preferred level of comfort and spending power. From Serena, Double Tree, Kendwa Rocks, Zanzibar Coffee House, Kupaga Villas, Kisiwa On the Beach, Mizingani Seafront and Warere Town House. With as little as Ksh3,000 to as high as Ksh50,000, you will have your accommodation.

How to move around Taxis are readily accessible and fares affordable. You can hire one right from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town. There are also matatus moving from one end of the island to the other. Use boats to visit the island; the bigger boats and not the small dhows. This is largely for security in high turbulence waters.

Where to eat There are many restaurants options including Kenyan restaurants. But, why would you go all the way and enjoy the same food you do every day. Try the sea food for about Ksh500 by the seaside.

Where to party You must be thinking of this, if you are a real Pulser.

There are hotels that offer bands and disco entertainment. But be warned, they close early unlike 1824.

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TRAVEL - wairimu nyingi

The wanderlust

effect simple ery few food and v e r a fe . here res in li f them pleasu just some o ven re ge travel a ntiment ran n to e io s s r is u h c T t ex ry y lates ome to luxu m t a e h u i r r t a ia f e a Sa mor aikip ty of L Mount Keny n u o C t the d airmon Club. opene hotel, F e club the iv s s e r in p conta the im And as I could hardly ely from the r , in rs pu its doo cstasy I got ll, which sits r y o fe f id o e is h h m s t o u r h at be my dge th knowle acres would e days.

0 e over 10 the next thr

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48 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

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Even something as simple as a walk past the reception area, with its old-worldly charm - the enormity of that moment was not lost on me as I checked in and left the mundaneness of my life outside its gates.

Luxury travel at its finest – the elegant club located on the beautiful foothills of Mount Kenya early in the year marked its 60th anniversary. From its sweeping highlands forest rich in clusters of birdlife and waterbucks to its on-site animal orphanage to dense thickets of bamboo, manicured lawns, flower-filled ponds and a nine-hole golf course – the club, which boasts of 120 lodge-style cottages with enormous fireplaces lit each evening to stave off the crisp mountain cold and luxurious furnishings offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure.

The club, which was founded by Oscar-winning actor William Holden has attracted Hollywood A-listers since time immemorial, the likes of John Travolta, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Steve McQueen, among others. And I can see why.

It is built directly on the Equator, which cuts straight through The Zebar, a cocktail bar and the golf course, making it the only course in Africa to bisect the Equator.

The club recently launched its new restaurant, The Colobus Grill; a haute cuisine dining experience for those seeking an exceptional culinary experience. The à la carte restaurant complements well the current offering of Tusks Restaurant buffet and set menu offering, Zebar’s snack menu and the room service offering. The gourmet dishes are inspired from traditional recipes complemented by Chef Kiran Ramsaran’s creative sense. Colobus was renovated from the former private members’ room.

Part of the rebirth of the club also includes two new private villas set to open

later in the year, which will feature two to three en suite bedrooms with private butler service, open plan kitchen, dining area and living room with gorgeous views on their private garden with the magnificent backdrop of the snow-dusted peak of Mount Kenya.

A new spa is also set to open featuring three treatment rooms, manicure room, steam and sauna rooms, grounds for yoga sessions and a lounge with an open-air terrace overlooking the protected and expansive Mount Kenya forest.

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out& about -PETER MUIRURI

Beautiful but Mysterious T

his might sound ominous, but some of the most beautiful locations in the world where tourists flock like moths to the fire contain some mysteries that continue to fascinate.

Be it top cities in the United Kingdom, United States, Italy or the enchanting Islands of the Indian Ocean, there is no shortage of the mysteries that, interestingly, keep the tourists dollars pouring in.

We hereby look at some of the key mysterious attractions in these locations.

London, UK

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It is the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the most influential in the world as far as trade, fashion and politics (Brexit) are concerned. Globetrotters do not rest before ticking the tour of London off their bucket list. As fascinating and beautiful London is, this city of red, double-decker buses has a dark past.

The city loved executions so much that perhaps half of the crimes (over 200) back then were punishable by beheading. If you were out at night with a blackened face, damaging the Westminster Bridge or in the company of a gipsy for a month, you were a good candidate for a beheading. The same was true if you impersonated a Chelsea pensioner (phew! not Chelsea footballer). In fact, between 1790 and 1902, over 1,000 people were put to death. By the way, did you know that the head of Nandi leader (Orkoiyot) Koitalel Arap Samoei who was decapitated in Kenya might have ended up in London?

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out & about Cairo, Egypt

Praslin Island, Seychelles

This is one of the well known cities in Africa with an ancient history to boot. It is the base for visiting the famous pyramids, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world and among the planet’s most visited site. But what makes these massive structures stand out? Well, the sheer size in relation to their age – over 4,000 years. We now know that the pyramids were built as tombs for the kings of Egypt. Who built them? That is the mystery. There are those who do not accept that the pyramids were built by humans.

“Pyramidologists point to the carving and placement of the stones, precise to the millimetre, and argue the numerological significance of the structures’ dimensions as evidence that the pyramids were constructed by angels or aliens,” says Lonely Planet. The truth is still out there…in Cairo.

This island in Seychelles has some of the best and most photographed beaches in the world.

But the island holds another surreal secret. The coco de mer tree and its fruit. The species has both male and female trees. However it is the shape of the female nut that will put you on edge. With the outer skin off, the nut resembles… well… the female pelvic and has been the subject of many prepositions. The male tree, on the COURTESY other hand, has the longest male flower in the world. Your guess is as good as mine as to the shape of the male flower. With the elongated male “member” the trees have been rumoured to make love during stormy nights. However, nobody has ever caught the trees in the act.

Interestingly, the only place in the planet where the tree grows, Valle de Mai was wrongly thought by some to be the original Garden of Eden.

Bermuda This beautiful island in the North Atlantic, a British Overseas Territory is known for its pink sand beaches. Like many islands around the world, tourism tops the list. In fact, statistics say that the 21-square mile country is among the richest in the world, with wages higher than in the United States. Okay, with a population of 70,000, that is not a very difficult accomplishment. But Bermuda has another eerie reputation. Have you heard of the Bermuda Triangle?

This is the area between Bermuda, Miami in Florida (another holiday location) and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In this section of the North Atalanctic, ships disappeared without a trace.

And so were aeroplanes. The most famous disappearance was that of Flight 19, five US Navy torpedo bombers that set off from Florida, on December 5, 1945 for a routine two-hour training mission over the Atlantic. They entered the Triangle and were never seen again. The seaplane sent to conduct a search mission disappeared too. If you have bought a holiday ticket to Bermuda, please go ahead and visit. You might just be the one to unravel the mystery.

Pisa, Italy Pizza must be the favourite food in Pisa. I digress. Like many European countries, Italy prides herself in showcasing ancient architectural feats such as the Colosseum, an amphitheatre in the middle of Rome. Then there is Pisa, whose

Alcatraz, United States

claim to fame in the mysterious categories is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This was the bell tower for the city’s cathedral built in 1173. It is shaped like a giant wedding cake with eight tiers. But as one wag put it, a guest with a dark heart almost toppled the cake. The lean though, is an architectural blunder. The site chosen for the tower had bad soil that retained water. The southern side was always shorter than the opposite side. Discouraged fundiskept off the site intermittently and the tower took 200 years to complete. And it still leans. By the way, over five million people visit Pisa each year to see the crooked ways of the tower.

That is twice the number that comes to see our famed wildlife and beaches combines.

“Break the rules and you go to prison. Break the prison rules and you go to Alcatraz.” These word are prominently displayed on a wall in one America’s most famous prison – Alcatraz. They cast a dark pall for any inmate who called it home. Alcatraz was just a lonely island in the middle of San Francisco Bay before it was turned into a harbour fortification, a military detention unit and a maximum security prison. The first batch of prisoners was picked from other jails where they had become unmanageable. The most famous of all was one Al “Scarface” Capone who had been convicted for tax evasion.

It is ironical that millions of tourists from around the world flock here to see a criminal’s former home. Some good ideas here for Kamiti. By the way, there has been no record of successful escape from Alcatraz.

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in my closet

Amar’s kingdom

- ahadi wambui

A

mar Jonathan is a fashionista who has bagged numerous fashion awards. He is the reigning Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFA) Male Fashionista of the Year.

Being one of the most seasoned fashion models in East Africa, Amar, co-founder of The Pond, a social media and personalities management company and the marketing and operations manager at Entim Sida – is the epitome of style. Basic

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is not a word in his dictionary when it comes to all matters fashion.

He has collaborated with trusted brands such as Kipato Unbranded, Olive and Annie, Conkrete Roses, Artcaffe, Monoxrome and many more. His style is daring to say the least. The fashion icon is unafraid of taking fashion risks both on or off the red carpet. His future plans include staring a luxury knitwear brand for men. We take a look at his closet.

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Q: A fashion quote you live by?

A: Dress like you are already famous.

Q: What is the most expensive clothing item you’ve ever bought?

A: Lacoste wrist watch.

Q: Shoes or bags?

A: Shoes any day.

Q: What are the three items you always have in your bag?

A: Laptop, diary and lip balm.

Q: What item in your closet do you wear the most?

A: My Topman black Tee.

Q: Advice to your younger self in terms of style?

A: Style is not as expensive as you think.

Q: What is fashion to you?

A: A way of making a statement. An expression.

Q: Favourite places to shop?

A: Platform at Two Rivers.

Q: If you could raid one person’s closet, who would it be?

A: Denola Grey from Nigeria.

Q: Kenyan men should stop wearing?

A: Promotion caps.

Q: The best advice you would give a man on the red carpet is...

A: If you are confident, you can make anything look good.

Q: You would never wear?

A: Baggy Pants.

COURTESY

Q: What is the best style advice you’ve ever gotten?

A: If you change your outfit more than six times, go with the first option.

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Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Edgy.

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hether you are going for the trending goddess look or a super-do, these are three hairstyle we can guarantee will get you scoring high this month.

beauty tips - Annette Hakim

Goddess Braids The trending goddess braids are a definite hit for us! They are exactly what boring braids needed to spice things up. Aside from looking great, if paired with the right outfit they can bring out the glam and elegant effortlessly.

Stylist: Doreen Laura @dlaurathestylist

Stylist: Priscah Ongama @priscahthehairstylist

54 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

COURTESY

A super-do is the up-do you go for when you want to look good, but time won’t let you.

Wash your hair, use some styling gel of your choice and partition as you please. It takes 15 minutes to get done and you’ll make it to that meeting looking well put together.

hair

Super-do

Love is in the

Glamour-go On some days you just want to look like a million bucks. You’re in the self care mood and after a relaxing massage and mani-pedi, your body deserves to look as good as you feel.

This is where glamour-go comes in. A nice elegant bun is exactly what you need to keep the mood going. Get

some accessories and complete the look feeling like a queen.

Stylist: Jackie Pam Jackie_pam_hair_art Loving this hairstyles? Be sure to visit the Palace and get your posh doll experience. Follow @poshpalaceofficial and tag us when you try them.

coffeeFITNESS break -rose kwamboka

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version available. It is then adorned with edible Sweet William or rose flower, chocolate and delicately embellished with edible gold. “This cappuccino will make you feel like real royalty. It is served in a gold cup to complement the drink and adorned with edible rose petals from Italy which are inspired by our name, Villa ‘Rosa’ Kempinski,” said Mohammad Mohammad, Kempinski’s Food and Beverage director during the launch of the Pure Gold Cappuccino.

The coffee is accompanied by only the finest of pastries, for a luxury product can never be

paired with pedestrian bitings like say samosas, (no offence to the samosas). Think macarons and red velvet cake.

If you aren’t feeling like royalty yet, the luxury of this gold cappuccino does not stop with drinking the gold. The gold confers both health and skin benefits some which are instant.

Mohammed said the drink has numerous benefits. “It helps reduce stress by promoting relaxation, acts as an anti-aging therapy, and helps in digestion.”

And just in case you were wondering about the side effects of edible gold, Kempinski assures you of its 100% edibility.

The gold is an inert metal which easily passes through the human system after about 24 hours unchanged and without causing any harm or reaction on the body. It is also flavourless, odourless and non-toxic.

A cup of this pure gold Cappuccino retails at Sh5,500.

COURTESY

ou are yet to drink luxury if you haven’t had a cup of gold cappuccino. Meet Villa Rosa Kempinski’s Pure Gold Cappuccino. All 24 karats of it.

All edible.

This Cappuccino is the first of its kind in Africa and second in the world, after UAE. In any case, how do you compete with a country of superlatives that eats gold, drinks gold and shits gold.

It is made from the finest of ingredients: A fresh brew of Kenya’s superior coffee with foam milk. Don’t worry my vegan friends, there is a dairy free milk

luxury in a

cup

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Keep the right mindset

fitness - pulseR writer

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4

e all want to be in good shape and health and sometimes all it takes is following basic rules.

This could be by observing certain fitness habits, eating the right kind of foods or planning your time well. Why not start with these simple tips for an everyday practical fitness and health regime:

Focus on muscle strength

2

One main reason we need to do exercises is to keep our muscles strong. Exercising muscles also improves blood supply to the muscles and increases their capacity to use oxygen. At the same time, it gives the body stability and improves balance and proper coordination.

Among the muscles you need to exercise are knee muscles - it keeps your knees strong.

Keeping fit not only helps build and strengthen muscles, it also protects bones and joints from injury.

To achieve your fitness and health goals, you should be in good mental health too. This is because it is in the mind where you get your goals set and where you draw the psychological energy to keep going. A positive mindset helps one push the body to be fit and to keep going.

One of the biggest obstacles when it comes to exercising is having a disturbed mind. This could have to do with things like depression, anxiety or even addiction. By all means, let a positive mindset push you towards the vision of achieving your fitness and health goals.

1 Exercise daily

simple rules

Keeping fit and healthy should be a consistent daily undertaking. At least, exercise for one hour everyday. Your exercise routine should not be one that kills you or exhausts you. It should be governed by the results you want to achieve. If you want to shed some weight, apply high level intensity exercises. This can include jogging and sprinting at intervals. It is advisable to make a great intake of proteins to keep your muscles rebuilding as the body sheds the fat. Key to note is that you should have in place a fitness plan.

56 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

Rest in between work outs Work outs are not a death sentence.

They are not supposed to feel like a punishment as much as they push your endurance abilities to extremes. As much as it is right to keeping your heart rate elevated to ensure calorie burn, hardworking muscles need regular breaks within the work out itself. This helps replenish them with oxygen, blood and sugars. There is no rule on how long this break should be. This is determined by the intensity of your exercise.

3

5

Keep to your favourite dance

When it comes to exercising, there is nothing more motivating than taking up an activity you like. It’s like turning a hobby into a well-paying job. That is what 1 call ‘dancing to your favourite song’. Think of the sports you have always liked and take up that for exercise.

However, it is more interesting to vary your exercise activities to spice up things. I mean, doing one routine every day can be real boring.

6

Never walk alone Exercising is more fun when you do it with a friend. This is because whether you are having a go at a treadmill or taking that 5km walk, it is easier when you have a friend encouraging and pushing you on. A friend will also sympathise with you when things get tough. Fitness is like a social undertaking that calls for a friend to keep you company.

7

It is recommended you take fruits and vegetables when you are getting your body into shape. While vegetables are good in keeping the digestive system clean, fruits are perfect in making your body feel full for hours. White meat is also a good source of protein.

Ensuring you are consuming the right portions will assist in making sure you keep your breath running smoothly and your energy will be channeled towards exercise. Experts advice that during a fitness and health regime, one should eat at least five portions of fruit and greens a day, this being the cornerstone of your healthy diet plan.

Water is life. It comes with many health benefits. You cannot burn fat and calories without a good intake of fluids. Increasing water intake allows for faster weight loss for those who are exercising to achieve that. Water is also a remedy for bloating. A good intake of water also reduces the amount of retained salt and lubricates the colon to hasten the elimination of belly-bloating foods. A poor workout can be as a result of lack of endurance or an inability to keep intensity because of being under-hydrated. Water helps all body operations; among others, it maintains hydration, digestion, heart and lung function, joint lubrication, protection of our tissues and regulates body temperature.

9

Get a goodnight’s sleep

There is deep chemistry between exercise and sleep. We exercise mostly to increase lean muscle mass and improve endurance. If you don’t get adequate sleep, you negate all you have been working hard to achieve. You might not have the luxury to sleep for six to eight hours in this ‘busy’ country, but whatever you do, get quality sleep. Sleep grants your body time to conserve energy and repair itself.

COURTESY

COURTESY

Eat right

8

Drink water

10

No drugs Drugs are a no-no – there are no two ways about it.

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movieS

HE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW

— wINNIE MAKENA

Cast: Amy Adams, Wyatt Russell, Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Anthony Mackie, Gary Oldman, Brian Tyree Henry Genre: Drama Directed By: Joe Wright In Theatres: October 4, 2019 An agoraphobic woman living alone in New York begins spying on her new neighbours only to witness a disturbing act of violence.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

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Cast: Charlize Theron, Finn Wolfhard, Chloë Grace Moretz, Aimee Garcia, Allison Janney, Bette Midler, Catherine O’Hara, Chelsea Frei, Elsie Fisher, Maggie Wheeler Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror.

Directed By: Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan In Theatres: October 11, 2019 An animated version of Charles Addams’ series of cartoons about a peculiar, ghoulish family. Funny, outlandish, and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbour.

GOLDFINCH

THE JOKER

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen.

Genre: Action and Adventure, Drama, Mystery and Suspense Directed By: Todd Phillips In Theatres: October 4, 2019

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n original standalone origin story of the iconic villain not seen before on the big screen, it’s a gritty character study of Arthur Fleck, a man disregarded by society, and a broader cautionary tale.

july 20192019 pulser pulser magazine magazine 58 OCTOBER

Cast: Finn Wolfhard, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Paulson, Ansel Elgort, Oakes Fegley, Aneurin Barnard, Ashleigh Cummings, Willa Fitzgerald Genre: Drama Directed By: John Crowley In Theatres: October 11, 2019 The goldfinch is based on Tartt’s 2014 Pulitzer Prize winning novel. A boy in New York is taken in by a wealthy Upper East Side family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. GEMINI MAN

Cast: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, Ralph Brown, Shiquita James, Theodora Woolley, Tim Connolly, Tony Scott Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller, Crime Directed By: Ang Lee In Theatres: October 11, 2019

Gemini Man is an innovative action-thriller starring Will Smith as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move.

ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP

Cast: Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Bill Murray, Avan Jogia, Jesse Eisenberg, Luke Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Thomas Middleditch, Woody Harrelson, Zoey Deutch Genre: Action and Adventure, Comedy, Horror Directed By: Ruben Fleischer In Theatres: October 18, 2019 Columbus, Tallahasse, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family.

THE CROW

Cast: Jason Momoa Genre: Action, Crime, Fantasy Directed By: Corin Hardy In Theatres: October 18, 2019 This adult-orientated supernatural revenge thriller is more famous for the on-set death of Brandon Lee, Bruce Lee’s son. A year after he and his fiancé are murdered, Eric is brought back to life by a mystical crow to avenge.

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE

Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Edward Furlong, Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta Genre: Action and Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction and Fantasy Directed By: Tim Miller In Theatres: October 25, 2019 When Skynet sends a powerful new Terminator from the future in order to terminate Dani Ramos, a hybrid cyborg human and her friends, Sarah Connor teams up with the original T-800 Terminator to fight the new threat and save the future once and for all.

slam

BOOTS & BALLS

- FRED KAGONYE

dunk?

T

COURTESY

he Western conference is where the real NBA champions are. Dynasties have been built and the supporting teams have been drawn and now we are waiting for the regular season to start. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors did trades that shook the ground in the league all in a bid to win the ring.

Los Angeles Lakers They traded a young roster of Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball for Anthony Davis. The trade has received praise and criticism in equal measure with some arguing it was not necessary to trade the future for a superstar who you are not sure will deliver the ring.

However, some argue the acquisition of Davis makes Lakers an automatic title contender. LeBron James got his players in Quinn Cook, Dwight Howard and Danny Green and retained some of the roster that was there last season. With a new coach in Frank Vogel anything less of a conference for the Lakers is definitely a failure.

Los Angeles Clippers The Clippers are cited as the real winners of the free agency.

They signed the 2019 finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and regular season MVP contender Paul George. The team was knocked out in the run up to the finals in game five by the Golden State Warriors, but they put up a good fight albeit not enough for the day. This season they are a sure bet to be IN the last four not unless they finish in a position that pits them against Lakers, Golden

State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

Houston Rockets They were destined for the finals twice until they met a Steph Curry led Golden State Warriors. For the last two seasons the Rockets have been incredible in the regular season. However, they lack the key to unlock the Warriors. Their business in the free agency was quiet until a last minute shocker of trading Chris Paul even after the team’s General Manager said neither he nor James Harden would be traded. But come one morning, news broke that Paul was headed to the Oklahoma City Thunder and there would be a reunion between Harden and Russell Westbrook. The stakes are high for the Rockets and this could be their season.

Golden State Warriors They have made it to the finals for the last five years consecutively.

The dynasty at the club brought them three rings out of a possible five. The cruel injury that plagued Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson most likely had an effect on the finals. If the two would have been fit to play, there’s a high chance the Warriors would have edged Toronto Raptors. Thompson has since resigned with them and Durant has been replaced with DeAngelo Russell. The look of this Warrirors team is amazing from a shooting and playmaking perspective. In Russell they have a good player, but not good enough to fit in the shoes of Durant.

The Eastern Conference Toronto Raptors

They are the current NBA champions. Their run up to the tittle was an incredible journey. With Kawhi and Danny Green leaving, expectations are high they will drop like the Cavaliers did after LeBron James left.

Milwaukee Bucks They lost out to Toronto in the conference finals. They had the best regular season in the NBA and since they haven’t lost any important player in free agency they are undoubtedly set to win the conference finals. The Giannis Antetokounmpo led Bucks are where the bookmarkers will have bets placed in huge numbers to win the West.

Philadelphia Sixers They turned out to be a huge disappointment in the playoffs. The star-studded young line up didn’t live to its potential. With Butler, Embiid and Simmons in their roster the cards were up for them to at least get to the finals. They put up a good fight against the Raptors, however, it wasn’t enough, this season we wait to see how they will fare.

Boston Celtics They have been the team to watch in the East, although not enough to win a championship.

Since their last win in 2009, they’ve been a huge disappointment in the playoffs even after making it to the finals twice. They are the team that is always touted to make the cut to the finals, but somehow don’t end up there. That aside, there’s no arguing they are the most successful team in the West. With Kyrie leaving and Kemba Walker replacing him let’s see how this season pans out.

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BOOTS & BALLS - PULSER WRITER

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Kenya falls from grace after numerous doping cases come to light

id this year, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) slapped Joyce Chepkirui with suspension from competing for doping.

How could the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and African Women 10,000m winner find herself in such a situation? Her little-known compatriot Jacob Kibet, who also received suspension could be excused, but not such an elite and seasoned star whose experience is viewed as being above the bar.

The two had been found with doping violations with Joyce suspended for use of a prohibited substance and evading, refusing or failing to submit a sample collection for Jacob.

The 2015 Amsterdam Marathon winner who declined in performance by finishing fourth in the 2016 New York Marathon was the fourth Ken-

Not so d pe

60 OCTOBER 2019 pulser magazine

Ath enh let dru anc nat gs to Onc ional its e the s inte easy y rna to w tion al

Sumgong, who ironically won the Rio Olympic gold in the women’s marathon was suspended after testing positive for banned substance, Erythropoietin (EPO). In 2018, yet another big shot, Asbel Kiprop, three-time world champion and Olympic 1,500m winner, was banned after testing positive for EPO. The new Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) was now working magic as the recently introduced video assistant referee (VAR) in international football.

COURTESY

1,150

yan athletic star to receive the ABP doping embarrassment after the April duo, Abraham Kiptum and Cyrus Ruto’s suspension alongside Sarah Chepchirchir’s in February. This was the same month the IAAF’s anti-doping watchdog released a report that ranked Kenya as the third country in the world and the first in Africa to be roped in doping cases, a shocker for a country that has been honoured as the number one exporter of athletes.

We should have seen it coming. The writing was on the wall. In 2016, Kenya fell from grace in the world of sports after a chain of doping scandals facing a number of celebrated long distance runners ahead of the Rio Olympics came to light. As a matter of fact, Kenya came within a hair’s breadth of dismissal from the competition with disqualification pressure on its shoulders as national pride got replaced with mortification following integrity issues.

One year after surviving the scandal, the doping devil struck again as Jemima

The number of anti-doping tests conducted

by ADAK in 2018.

tes cemuse o q ent u selealify f o c qua tions r win lify, . lly.

Athelete Biological Passport

According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), “The fundamental principle of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is to monitor selected biological variables overtime that indirectly reveal the effects of doping rather than attempting to detect the doping substance or method itself.”

“It was a time when Kenya faced an enormous challenge in terms of the very integrity of our sports,” said Japhter Rugut, who heads the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), a body constituted to investigate and recommend on the growing athletics menace.

The number of anti-doping tests conducted by ADAK since its institutionalisation has grown from about 100 in 2016 to 1,150 in 2018.

The body has consequently created biological passports for about 40 Kenyan athletes to track their data overtime. This became more manageable after WADA approved a blood test and sampling laboratory in Nairobi last year.

At least the “Stay Clean, Win Right” campaign by ADAK was bearing fruits and bringing awareness of the dangers of doping across the country.

The situation begs the question, why would a country endowed with the best athletes find itself facing such an avoidable crisis? Why would world beaters take a shortcut to glory? Why have these cases

suddenly become so rampant making this a monumental challenge?

Why is it not happening in other countries?

Records show there are 4,000 top-level athletes registered with the athletics federation putting into perspective the pressure and challenge each might have to keep the tempo or even have a chance to shine. Experts say this kind of pressure has some of them getting the temptation of using enhancement substances to boost their chances of making it to the top.

“You will be so surprised that some of these athletes do not use the enhancement drugs for triumph performances during international competitions. Most use them to qualify for national selections. They know that once they qualify here, the chances of making it during international competitions is easy. That explains why even upcoming runners are finding themselves in this mess,” says Samson Kipkorir, a trainer.

why not me

“As for the elite runners, their zeal to keep on winning, especially to break more records and make more fortune and fame drives them into doping. You realise running is a business to these people and the more they win mean they are attaining their mark,” he adds noting that most come from hardship areas and this is their only source of livelihood.

Besides, week in week out, Kenyans are winning marathon races everywhere across the world and one would ask; “why not me.”

There is also another class of thought that argues Kenya has too many athletes for the federation to be able to monitor each individual hence the rampant doping. For example, with over 500 marathon runners, does the federation have adequate resources to put checks and controls on them?

During an interview with Pulser, one of the suspended big shots said he was at first hesitant to use performance enhancers doping but finally got on EPO, a drug that is readily available in pharmacies across the country. He further revealed he was more inclined to give a try after realizing ‘everyone else’ was using it.

“There was no way I was going to beat them. I had to make a livelihood and take care of my family,” he says.

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games - boniface mithika

Ghost Recon Breakpoint (PC, PS4, Xbox One) Somewhere in the South Pacific lies the remote Auroa Archipelago, a vast land of diverse biomes that range from lush rainforests to snowy peaks. It is home to Skell Technology, an enigmatic technology giant.

Initially interested in a remote testing site for its autonomous drones, the Silicon Valley Company eventually turned Auroa into its “World 2.0,” a high-tech, high-security utopia of sustainable eco-cities and robotics research.

Featuring 11 unique biomes, this remote Archipelago will challenge the Ghosts like never before. Players get to use the environment to their advantage as they disappear into a jungle canopy to evade foes or jump into a vehicle and charge into battle by air, land and sea. A seamless co-op experience means your squadmates can jump in and out at any time as you face your deadliest enemies.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC) Herein players take on the role of lethal Tier One operators in a heart-racing saga that will affect the global balance of power. In the visceral and dramatic single-player story campaign, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare pushes boundaries and breaks the rules.

Players engage in covert operations alongside a diverse cast of international Special Forces throughout iconic European cities and

volatile expanses of the Middle East.

Killer Queen Black(Switch, PC) This is an intense multiplayer action platform for up to eight players where you can hop solo or team up with three of your friends as you race to complete one of three possible victory conditions. The gameplay is immediately recognisable and familiar, yet it introduces exciting new twists and online play for the home audience. Killer Queen Black is the follow up to Killer Queen, which has been rebuilt from the ground up and optimised for console.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III(PlayStation 4) Trails of cold steel III is an RPG rated T since the end of a civil war, much has changed from shifting stances of countries to the internal politics of an empire. The shadows of the past have given way to the embers of a new chapter. The game is centred on Rean Schwarzer, who has now become instructor of a newly-opened academy that quickly finds itself thrust onto the national stage. It is here he takes the lead of a brand new Class VII, and must guide a new generation of heroes into an unknown future.

Cold Steel III players are thrown into a world full of intrigue and excitement.

MediEvil- PlayStation 4 Here we see a rebuilt of Sir Dan’s 1998 adventure as the undead hero attempts to save Gallowmere from the maniacal Zarok.

MediEvil on PlayStation 4 is blessed with incredibly detailed characters and environments, translating the original game’s spooky cartoon aesthetic for Sony’s newest console. Players get to re-live the original adventure. The beloved fan-favourite has been completely remade from the grave up, blending classic gameplay with stunning visuals, all in eye-popping 4K!

fever

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ith Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas (probably three things that should never go together) around the corner, we’re counting days until we usher in 2020. And while things tend to go at a snail’s pace as the holidays approach, the opposite runs true in the gaming world. That said, here are a few new releases as the gaming calendar hits fever pitch.

Gaming

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GAMES

Horsewomen of WWE (Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch). The 2K Towers mode, first introduced in WWE 2K19, makes its return to the series. It also features a female MyCareer story alongside its male story, a first for the franchise.

Indivisible(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

COURTESY

The Outer Worlds(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC) It is a single-player first-person Sci-Fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the furthest edge of the galaxy, you awake decades later only to find yourself in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the Halcyon colony.

As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter various factions, all vying for power, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.

Luigi’s Mansion 3(Switch)

The g on na ame foc has a rrative, auses whee dialogue nd playe l which a how rs to cho llows to no to respon ose chara n-player d cters ­— .

-- The Witc her 3 : Wild Hunt

The premise of Luigi’s Mansion 3 is pretty straightforward: Anxious Luigi and his pals check into a hotel for a nice break away from maiming goombas, but it turns out the hotel isn’t quite as described in the brochure.

Things take a dark turn, and Luigi’s friends disappear, so it’s your job (as the jumpy green plumber) to wander around the creepy hotel, fight off the ghostly residents and find Mario and co.

WWE 2K20 WWE 2K20 is a professional wrestling video game being developed by Visual Concepts. It is the 21st game in the WWE game series (seventh under the WWE 2K banner), and the successor to WWE 2K19. Its showcase mode revolves around the Four

Indivisible is a hand drawn action RPG platformer from Lab Zero, creators of the critically acclaimed Skullgirls! Set in a huge fantasy world, Indivisible tells the story of Ajna, a fearless girl with a rebellious streak who sets out on a quest to save everything she loves from being destroyed. Ajna was raised in a remote village and has been trained to be strong in mind and body to prepare her for things to come. She discovers a mysterious power in herself, and sets off on a world-spanning journey. Along the way, a number of unique heroes will join her on her quest.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action role-playing game with a third-person perspective. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher. Geralt walks, runs, rolls and dodges, and (for the first time in the series) jumps, climbs and swims.

He has a variety of weapons, including bombs, a crossbow and two swords (steel and silver).

The steel sword is used primarily to kill humans while the silver sword is more effective against creatures and monsters.

The game focuses on narrative, and has a dialogue wheel which allows players to choose how to respond to non-player characters.

Geralt must make decisions which change the state of the world and lead to 36 possible endings, affecting the lives of in-game characters. He can have a romantic relationship with some of the game’s female characters by completing certain quests.

Players can also begin side quests after visiting a town’s noticeboard. These side missions include Witcher Contracts and Treasure Hunt quests, which reward players with top-tier weapons or armour. Players earn experience points by completing missions.

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