Sighkick Mag: Issue 2 by The Sighkick Magazine

Issue: 002 March /May 2017

Cover: Victor murage Trick: Front Side Flip over gap Skater since 2008 Stance: Goofy Fav Trick: Kick Flip Would like to skate any country with good spots and friendly people. Last video part was 5 years ago. Maybe one. this year SKATE MORE!! Photo credits: Samuel Maguta

Contents

05 08 09 12 15 16 17 19 22 23 26 28

New Kids SkateNation Highlights Pro-Skater in Kenya Girls skaters Saya Hadassa Feature Kelvin Murage Spot Review Uhuru Park Comics Guest Writer Nat Canuel Skate-Aid Ollie Contest 2017 Art/Fun section Nairobi’s SKATE King 2016 Fashion and Skateboards Music Power Slide Rock Band

Editor & Design Saviour Kumwaka Team Writers Shuyin Ben Samuel Maguta Leo Kilel

Pictures are used with the permission of photographer March/May 2017

Advisors David Mwangi Sydney yongo

Team Photographers Samuel Maguta Special Thanks to Photographers Assist Saviour Kumwaka Rob Opiyo (drink.co.ke) Versatile Photographers

From editor’s spot The first issue of this magazine got us so stoked and we are glad to gather this second issue with more awesome pictures and articles. We feature Kelvin Murage the blaze guy, girl skater Saya Hadassar, and Uhuru Park “review”. Thanks to the photographers who turned up during photo sessions and more so you, the skater for skating your heart out, building and supporting the scene.

@SighkickMag

The Sighkick Magazine

George Zuko Front side 180, over Gap Photo credit: Versatile Photographers

New Kids SkateNation254

“

Skateboarders always want to see themselves growing no matter how long it might take

”

The SkateNation254 Crew Skatenation254 is basically a group of young and talented skateboarders both male and female united together by the spirit of skateboarding. Skateboarding is not just a ‘game’ as most people seem to say, it’s a culture and its roots dig deep. So through Skatenation254, we can use that platform to form a community and get to play a role in growing the skateboarding scene at home. We recently registered it so we can be recognised legally and allowed to execute plans that are found in our article of memorandum. We plan to construct something useful for us somewhere around. Build a Skate Park I believe that the start-up goal of any skateboarding company is to play a part in the skateboarding scene. Skateboarders always want to see themselves growing no matter how long it might take. However as we are repeatedly told by the pioneer skateboarder Leo, we need to grow the scene together and not just wait for it to pop up mysteriously. We want to build a skate park. So we are planning to appeal to the government and see if our petition would go through. We have a project that we want to begin during this first half of the year. Videos Build the Scene Making skate videos is a major way that we get to grow the skate scene. Can you imagine how punctured skateboarding would be if there were no skate videos? It is such an awesome feeling skateboarders hanging out together for a night and get to attend the premier of a skate video as well as having a chill time. Now that is 5. how we get to grow skateboarding in Kenya!

I would advise skateboarders to form a crew, film themselves doing the amazing tricks we do during our sessions, compile them and release skate videos. With that we can harness the positive energy and skateboarders always anticipate a new skate video. Be consistently releasing videos. Since most African have phones, use them for that. The internet too Also diversify to photos, text, video, gif and audio. Do it for the love and for the scene This in turn affects the skateboarding scene directly. o for my last remarks I say videos, videos, videos. #WEAREBLOOD.

Screenshots of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Breakeven Promo video by Skatenation254

Credits: @thekissbandit

Skatenation254 after a Citizen TV feature interview

Ollie by Tony Evayo

By Tony Evayo CEO SkateNation254 Twitter: @SkateNation254

Fun at a photoshoot by Versatile Photographers organised by Skatenation254

Patrick Kelly Sigei Kickflip over gap Photo by Samuel Maguta

Skate Highlights Pro-skateboarder Micheal Mackrodt in Kenya On Tuesday(1st december 2016) there was a buzz in the Kenyan skate scene after news spread that a pro-skateboarder had landed in Mombasa. Through the social sites, especially Whatsapp, and the the good news were confirmed through his personal Instagram. It was about to get lit here. Phot credits: wallnerock.com Michael Mackrodt a pro-skateboarder since 2003, from Germany, was on a mission for his “Fishing Lines” video parts that features on Thrasher Magazine. The mission is skating different spots around the globe. From India, Paris, Tunisia, West Africa as seen on Thrasher Magazine Youtube channel. After a day he was in Nairobi, bound to capture the minds and dreams of local skaters here. He was a slender guy, average height which made him look younger than he is. With steezy pop that showed a mastery of this wooden toy. That was confirmed by the tricks he did. We hanged out at Uhuru Park, talked, together with his two other filming colleagues. Challenged him in a game of SKATE and boy did we see the cleanest switch treys ever. For sure he didn’t disappoint at all. They bid us goodbye later on in the evening, but the amusement of that day was bound to stick around for a while.

Photo Credits: grindtv.com

Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Girl skater

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

..I hide my board from my parents and strategize how to leave home with it.

â&#x20AC;?

Who is Saya Hadassah? I'm just a girl trying to find her way in this world; I'm trying to make the most out of life. Why did you choose skateboarding? It has a sense of belonging, it comes with a family as disfunctional as can be but it's still a family. It's fun. What drives you? The fear of dying without having anything to show that you were once alive; dying without achieving anything. How has skateboarding influenced you? OMG...my social life. I didn't have a social life before skateboarding; then there's the fitness factor but mostly socialy, it has brought a lot of fun in my life.

What do you wish would be different in the Kenyan skating scene? We ought to be more adventurous. We only have specific skating spots you know; shangii, upark, UoN, kile...and that's it we should try experiencing whatever else is out there. Who's your role model and why? There's no particular person because different people have different attributes, but the closest person I can think of that has many attributes I can emulate in life- I know it's cliche but it's true for me-it has to be my mum. She's so hardworking; I can't think of anyone more hardworking than her, she's genuinely God fearing, she loves people and has a good heart What challenges have you faced as a skateboarder? Personal fear, that's my greatest challenge. The mindset that there's no pressure as a female skater,there's no competition so growth is stunted you feel comfortable wherever you are, when everyone complements you for being better you relax. At least if you have a person to p lay game of skate with you are challenged to raise your standards. Also kenya bus na matatu za Ronga ni major challenge(laughs) tumawe tudogo na mbegu za mabuyu...January Pia ni challenge; bearing zinapasuka, nuts ndio hizo... Word to girls who want to skate. Do you have a real honest-to God intentions to? Get a board and start pushing. You only have pebbles (small stones) to fear.

Interviiew by Sharlene Muoki 9.

Photo Credit: Samuel Maguta

2017 goals? I'd like to ollie the manual pad, I'll work on olling obstacles of different heights and lengths and work on basic tricks. Apart from that I'll work on being adventurous; be good on the streets, park be more than just that girl from Uhuru Park. Be a versatile skater. If given the opportunity anywhere in the world, would you take skateboarding as a competitive sport? If i had the chance to be that damn good and get something out of it be it prizes, titles or experience... why not. Skaters you look up to, both locally and internationally. Locally, David ‘Ngis’ Mwangi, Both Victors-Murage and Muchiri, I like Kelly Patrick Sigei’s drive and Ballotelli just plain challenges me. Internationally, My God..so many. Top of my list though, Mariah Duran, jenn Soto, Sav Headden, Kate Shengeliya, and the eight year-old Brazillian girl called Rayssa Leal. And Lacey Baker of course. Any skate video from us girls? Haha, Skate videos from us, we should organize girl! Unfortunately maybe not as soon as any of us would like to.

Your take on the coming elections. I’m not one for politics but for those who vote, be wise about it. Any pressure from guys, society and peroz? How do you handle it? Pressure from guys? Yeah, but positive pressure like they are behind you encouraging you to push yourself. Pressure from society..uh I don’t know about that, not really in sync with society so.. Parents, it’s definitely there..to quit. They honestly believe it’s the most dangerous thing I could choose to spend my time doing. How I deal with that? I hide my board and strategize how to leave home with it. Haha you’ll be snitching on yourself if this is published Haha true, it’s cool though. Last words? Sigh!.... SAYA OUT(laughs) Be easy don't take life too seriously. Thanks for your time, girl.

Sharlene Muoki Trick: Kickflip Photo by S. Kumwaka

Feature Interview

Who is Kelvin Murage? Well, I’m hust a simple guy who loves Jesus born again Christian..a biker and a very passionate skateboarder. I’m adrenaline driven, When did you start? I started skating during my final year in high school. Few months before KCSE. Met up with a ahighschool mate who I discovered was a skater through Youtube and he introduced me into the art..

Kelvin

When it comes to doing such works, what things can you tell skaters or others to consider when working with the corporate. First thing that many people don’t pay attention to How does it feel being the first Kenyan skater to blow up is contracts. First, don’t work without a contract. Second, always read thoroughly through it and if possible have a on the Ads? Must be awesome! Well, honestly I was really shocked and it was one of my lawyer interpret it well for you . on set, give your best so that you can have a second chance and make relationships. least expectations. I just never even dreamt about it. I was at a point where I din’t really know or worry about You never know where they may lead you. Finally, know your worth. what the future had in store for me, so I just gave the love of my life my all until I ended up on the Skaters that inspire your, locally and internationally advertisements. It does feel good having made it Skaters that inspire me, locally, number one on that list through a pin-hole sized opportunity. must be Kevin Maina, this guy is extremely good. He has a really strong skate style and has his tricks on point plus he How did you end up in the Blaze Advert? has been so consistent over the years. Second, is Victor Well, there is a skater amongst us called Samuel Maguta, Murage. Even though the work life has him tied down, he organized the round up of me alonf with a few others. he still shows up takes some really good slams and lands An agency had reached out to him. mind blowing tricks. I feel like I’m into these two skaters Your view on the growth of the skate scene part since they all love taking their tricks onto big gaps The scene has changed quite a lot. I think I’ve seen like and stairs which I love to do by the way. two or three generations of skaters ride and fall. Internationally, must be Luan Olivera, ‘cause of his technical Currently I think the scene that is present is going to skate style and his tricks are on point. last a lil longer and we’re going to see a lot more Another Arron Jaws homoki for his heart of St OK me breakthroughs. 12. when it comes to heights and massive mega gaps.

Favourite skate spots? My fav spot: uhuru Park Podium, UON and along Kenyatta Avenue. Just gotta love street spots. Uhuru gardens, I need to visit there one of these days and Nairobi museum for sure, sick stairs and ledges over there. Any skate Video parts coming? Yes, currently working on one. It should be out in about a month. Hoping it will be as sick as I want it to be. Other passion you have. My other passion that ends so well with skateboarding is motorbikes-especially speed bikes and off road bikes. The thrill I get from these is insane. Word to fellow skaters out there. Just push harder than the previous day each day. There is always room for improvement. Love that piece of fine wood and it will return the love. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think too hard about making it. Just live in the moment and have fun. Your take on the coming election? I just hope we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget who we are, a United nation. That wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get divided by malicious politicians and tribal differences. The same way you were living happy moments with your brother/sister before the elections let it be the same during and after the election. Peace is the gospel.

Interview by Saviour Kumwaka Photo Credits: Versatile Photographers

13.

Samuel Maguta Trick: Boardslide Photo by Saviour Kumwaka

Willy Ojiro Trick: Board slide oon Rail Photo by Rob Opiyo

Spot Review

Photographer: Versatile Photographers

Interview With Uhuru Park By Samuel Maguta (Slammy)

When were you built? I was built in 1969..your momma wasn‛t even born suckaa..haha..wanna hear some cool stories from that time? NO. not really…What do you think about the Kenyan skate scene and skaters skating on you? I think the Kenyan skate scene is really cool . I am always excited when skaters show up to skate on me ,way more fun than having a boring political rally or crusade on me . Doesn‛t It hurt when they grind or land tricks on you? Not really,most times the trick lands on me feel like little nudges and pokes and the grinds feel like relaxing massages or how I‛d imagine a massage to feel like haha. Sometimes though some kids who don‛t know how to grind or come with boards with really shitty trucks with the kingpin bolts sticking out hurt me a bit.f Eff those kids, wax is like 10 bob and stop skating joerexes.

What‛s your fave moment When I was given the new Kenyan flag paint job and when the activist team came to Kenya and did a demo and a contest on me Worst moment? When I woke up to find a dead kid on me a few months ago.. that was bad may he RIP What advice would you give Skaters? Keep skating ,I wish I could What do you like doing on your free time? I always have freetime I‛m a freaking building. I like looking around me listening to humans and buildings converse Other Building‛s converse? Yeah..you think I‛m the only building that can talk? Haha I should interview Uhuru gardens soon then… That guy‛s a douche Who‛s your favourite Kenyan skater All of them are .especially those with good trucks and wax me before grinding Thanks a lot Uhuru Park.

15.

Comics Camera guys gets Late

16.

By Michael Laini Inking: Junior Geshohe Rasta skaters

Guest writer TOP REASONS TO SKATE IN KENYA

“

By Nat Canuel He’s a Canadian Based in Kenya

Get creative and this city has enough to skate all day especially at night..

THE CREWS ARE TIGHT: No matter the time or day you can always find a group of skaters who are down for a mission. They’ll help you when your board falls apart or even let you use theirs. And if they got water or some snacks you know they got your back… TRANSPORTATION IS GOOD: Getting to spots by bus is fast (not on rush hour) and affordable. With the sound systems, graffiti, flashing lights and stylish customers the bus industry in Kenya is one of the best in the world. Just make sure you know some Swahili/sheng because the operators don’t like speaking English.

”

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY: Ok it does rain sometimes but not for that long and it dries quickly. From 11 to 4 the sun is blasting and if your full session, make sure you stay on the liquids cause otherwise the sun will dry you out and before you know it your Ollie will look like the day you started skating.

SKATERS ARE EQUAL: You can find skaters of all types skating together. Someone who can’t afford a board will be skating with guys from the richer parts of town. And girls are more welcomed to skate with guys here than in other cities. The street kids whose numbers are growing by the day also would love a try on your board so if you run out of breath don’t mind if a kid wants to take a lap or two. YOU MAKE PEOPLE SMILE/LAUGH: There are a lot of people still who haven’t seen someone skateboard and when they do they trip out. Many will take out their cell phone and record you for a while. If you’re at a spot lots of people will just stop and watch you for a while before moving on thinking about what they just witnessed. The best is when you rip down a street and guys jump out of the way like a bus is about to knock them down. KIDS LOOK UP TO YOU: Young kids can’t get enough of skaters and always want to try your board. Anywhere you go carrying your board you can hear kids go “Skaaate!” They’ll run next to you as you ride and wait for you to sit down so they can get a try. Don’t be surprised if you get your board back with a big chip on it though.

Nat Canuel Ollie at two rivers Mall SNACKS ARE CHEAP: When you can’t Ollie any more because of that empty stomach there are tons of different kinds of snacks to choose from that wont break the bank. If you’re a tap water guy most spots have a tap nearby. Nuts are usually the best to get your energy back but some baked goods (Queen Cakes, Mandazi) will always do the trick. Lot’s of guys walk around selling snacks and drinks too so most of the time you don’t even need to go to the shop. NAIROBI CITY IS DOPE TO SKATE: Get creative and this city has enough to skate all day especially at night when traffic chills out. Nairobi looks amazing on video and in pictures too so if you got a camera make sure to bring that too. Sundays are probably the best days in town because city council and other security guards wont chase you away or try and hassle you. Meet up with your crew at sunken in town for a warm up game of SKATE. Shred over and hit the madness that is Uhuru Park. And then if you’re up to it, bus up to Kileleshwa and bomb some hills that are sure to get your heart pumping. 17.

S. Kumwaka Trick: Kick Flip Photo by M.aureen Mbingu

George Zuko Trick: Front side 180

Paul Muthui Trick: Boneless Photo by Samuel Maguta

Ollie Contest 2017 Skate-Aid Highest Ollie Contest 2017 Date: 7th January 2016.

It is a typical Njaanuary sunny afternoon, as I arrived at the venue. Reggae music is already playing from a loud speaker under the military green converse tent. That’s where the judges will be sitting. Some classic reggae fill the air, Bob Marley’s and the likes but for today the only Redemption song we’ll hear will come from this wooden toy kissing the concrete. SkateAid banners perfectly visible, you can’t mistake who has organized this skate gig. It’s always help across the Board. This day, we join other skaters around the globe where Skate-Aid is located in contest, that’s live streamed. Countries include South Africa, Germany, Uganda, rwanda, Palestine, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Denmark and Kenya. The contest has two categories; Under 14 and Above 14.

Moving on, the event begins with Robin telling everyone the rules via loud speaker. That’s after Ben calls out the kids from Shangilia to register in the tent. From Robin, the rules are simple. It involves a long adjustable piece of wood put across stands and it’s raise higher after every successful jump (Ollie).

Below 14 category Then skater after skater has to jump over the adjustable Spoiler Alert: Kenya comes third overall. obstacle made by Robin. One notable observation is Quick catch up, what’s “Ollie”? This is the most basic trick the progress I’ve seen in Ezra. Last time, in the article I in skateboarding. It’s just how a skater jumps with the wrote about the Nairobi King of S.K.A.T.E find it here board on their feet. shuyinben.blogspot.com. He is one of the people who had really advanced in the hierarchy of the KING of SKATE Anyway, this is the first time the competition is held in Kenya. The first time for me to record a time-lapse video, first time to live stream an event; The list goes on. In fact, ‘First time’ ought be the title of this article. Is it a first time for you to do something on this day tell me begin with the harsh tag #firsttime and #kesk8brd.

19.

contest. This time, he is able to jump over 27.5 cm above the ground. For someone in the under 14, someone is skating hard! Pretty awesome, right? Above 14 category This category involves the regular group, as well as new skaters who’ve been skating for a relatively short time (minus the kids from Shangilia). Bramu goes far up the leader board but isn’t able to make the jump when the wood is raised to knee height. Though I notice that the technique here is to pop and level out. Those who have mastery in the two go through smoothly up the heights. Though most contestants hit a snag when it the obstacle is set to 50cm in height. Almost effortlessly Sydney Yongo (Deecy), Kelvin Maina, and Robin, remain for the clash of the height. At 55cm Robin is out. Deecy and Kelvin Maina clash on who’ll scale the height. While Deecy is knocked out at 60cm. Kelvin goes on solo as guys cheer him on and he peaks at 75cm. The highest recorded score in Kenya. It’s already getting dark as pictures are taken, awards and prizes given. Last and definitely not the least, I’d like to thank Skate Aid, Daniel, Robin, the secretaries who recorded the heights, and everyone who showed up for the event. Make sure to pick a rival and try and beat her/his height. See you on the flipside. Written by Shuyin ben and Saviour Kumwaka Find me on Facebook:Shuyin Ben

Youtube: Sliceace Twitter: Shuyin_ben

Event Photos by Rob Opiyo (drink.co.ke)

Art Section

A Good Friend I can help you, You don’t have to call me, I’m always waiting at your heart’s door, Let’s go Let go, Let me in, Follow me, Hold my hand, Close your eyes, I will teach you the meaning of that, Mysterious feeling.

By Shuyin Ben

I am here to help you, No more crying alone, When the rain ends you will play outside, It’s time to welcome a new friend. -Leo Kilel

Cool Memes

SKATE King 2016

Nairobi King of S.K.A.T.E 2016 Street Edition Date: 17th Dec 2016

The Nairobi KING of S.K.A.T.E was held under the Museum Hill bridge close to the National Museums of Kenya (Museum in Nairobi, Kenya) ; The road underneath was barred off since it’s under construction. However, it also diverts to an entry into Nairobi University Though during the contest “watu karibu wamangiwe na magari” some skaters exclaimed. some cars were j ust passing through the same road and mind you they didn’t hoot. Probably newbies on this highway, trying to link to the over pass to Parklands. Anyway, the contest started at around 2.p.m,. I wasn’t there at that time though, but masketah(skateboarders) were halfway through the match when I arrived. Participants, from G Credits Tony Evayo Skaters and spectators at contest

At that time, I recall it was Ezra versus Tony; Tony has improved since the last time I saw him skate. A little improvement on his consistency and bag of tricks will win him over other opponents. Also, Ezra won that match.

Ezra on skateboard to the left and Tony with light Green t-shirt

Kelvin Maina setting a trick .

Credits Shuyin Ben 23.

Credits Shuyin Ben

As time passed by familiar faces where progressing in the KING of S.K.A.T.E tree. They were J.B, Leo, Victor Oti, Vincent and George to mention a few. The only new participant to be among them was Ezra. Noticed something about the names I’ve mentioned? Most have been in video parts.

More or less the highlights of the contest was J. b’s strategy to beat his opponents which was pretty solid if you asked me. His strategy was; start with the basic tricks then go intermediate and then to advanced – I was using Aaron Kyro’s metrics.

Credits Shuyin Ben

On the contrary, I noticed a good number of participants who began with some harder tricks, start losing momentum as time passes by. Wear them down-first, guys! I also use this strategy as I’m playing and I’ve won a couple of games of S.K.A.T.E because of it.

Additionally, Oti, a skater from way back, and he’s still as steez as ever, clashed with George Zuko on the switch wars. He perservered through the diziness of FS and BS, then proceeded to challenge the beast from the video “New Threat” the video. Kelvin Maina As sure as the wind blows, the finalists were in video parts. Can I say that the crowd actually foresaw the finalists? Or was it just Deecy's prediction, I don’t know. During the last battle, Oti unleashed clean treflips, double kickflips and biggerspins. But He was trapped in the jaws of the ’beast ‘- Kelvin Maina, he knocked Oti out withFakie front-side heelflip. Which led skaters in a frenzy in celebration of the win. We’ll live to see the next one being crowned

Credits: First runners-up Oti Otile (in green) Tony Evayo

More on the contest, check our Youtube channel Youtube: SighkickMag

By Shuyin Ben

Credits Tony evayo Kelvin Maina (right) King of SKATE 2017, contest judge Leo Kilel (left)

Fun times After the contest

Credits: Tony Evayo

Michael Laini Trick: Kickflip

Adam Yawe Trick: Wall Ride Photo by Rob Opiyo

Fashion and Skateboards

Skateboard and Fashion By Michael Laini Skateboarding all over the world shares a common fashion. One can always identify a skater even without them skating. The fashion is all about flexibility, functionality and comfort, a perfect mix for anyone on the street. Thus it is more or less the same across the globe. This street value of a skater’s fashion has also made a thread into most young urban non-skaters too, who might be humorously be referred to as “posers”. How many times do you cross paths with someone in an Element or Vans Tees? You just get stoked over it and move on wondering whether they know the brand. I guess they identify been street with that.

Photo credits: Rob Opiyo Anyway, locally apart from the “Skate Hustle Apparel” “X-Ones” there are no other skateboard companies in fashion. But that doesn’t leave us bare. Local skaters have access to apparel and gears from international brands such as Element, Thrasher, Vans, Nike SB among others. On top, Etnis shoes, Emerica, Skate Junk, also come in but in less frequency. Some are second hand clothes (thanks to the Gikomba Market). They come in cheap.

Photo Credits: Michael Laini

A common skater starter-pack look is an oversized t-shirt, along skinny pants, checked shirts, khaki pants. Highly worn out Vans shoes, on one side. Just taking a breather, re-energise then hit a cool spot.

Closing up, the fashion can be however the skater likes it, there’s definitely no rules here guys! Can’t wait to see what the Kenyan scene has in store for us. Keep up the skate spirit; let’s enlarge this community and scene. 26.

For Decks, Skateboards, Trucks , wheels & More Contact :254 Skateboards Phone: 0722 205 649

Finger boards ,gears and more Contact: Saga Yards

To Advertise With Us Email: sighkickmag@gmail.com

Music Section

Powerslide is an all-skater, punk rock band, made up of the trio Willy Ojiro guitar and vocalist, Samuel Maguta-bassist, and Timothy “Qreed” Wafula on drums. Based in Nairobi, they’ve been riffing together for around a year. Three songs down and an EP on the way, they draw inspiration from local and international bands like Last Year’s Trajecdy and Irony Destroyed to Minor Threat and Nirvana. We talked to them and this is what they had for us. How many songs so far? An EP, album? Samuel Maguta: ILots, there is so many in the processs of being fleshed out on my side and willys..also creed had a song he was to share with us too…we jam it out but what we all have finished is The Keed, Hollow, and Cheshire Grin. EP? Yeah on april we record dude. Hope I don’t break my arm skating this month.

Why do Rock? TW: I don’t think there is any other good music that steals my heart away like rock music. It’s been the love of my life since day one. Different genres of rock music SM: ‘We love rock, for me I love rock ’cause of the guitars, drums, bass. The whole sound the scene, the concert vibe. The party. The attitude. WO: Cause rock is sound that pounds in our hearts.

Apart from been an all-skaters band, what other way are you unique? WO: Well we’re the first punk band to come out of Kenya and most bands here play metal so we’re one of the few that play rock. TW: I think playing this kind of music in Kenya is alien. Willy Ojiro: Well so far we’ve been doing covers though Most bands do metal, but by us doing punk makes us we’ve been playing 3 original songs at shows. We’ve got unique even around Africa not just Kenya. much more material that we’re yet to introduce to the world. SM: We are unique in that we aren’t really formally EP coming soon. We’re heading into the studio next month trained and are just ruffing it. Haha, in the words of Jaco Pastorius “formally self taught’’ . We also play faster than most Kenyan bands ..errm .we are usally broke.. What bands do you look up to and inspire you locally, internationally? SM: For the whole band I’d say blink ,Minor Threat , and The So who would win between you in a game of skate? SM: Me , if I’m not wasted and my board’s good. Descendants (mostly for me and Qreed) Kenyan band Last TW: I’m sure that wouldn’t be me. But I bet Willy and Years Tragedy, Crystal Axis,Void of Belonging Slammy would give us some sick action. TW: We do mostly punk and so any punk band that make WO: Haha I would. you go crazy is our inspiration, namely to add Greenday, Nirvana, Minor Threat, Bad Religion. Locally, Irony Destroyed be the ish, the list is endless.. I might go on and on. WO: Well locally my fav band is Irony Destroyed. Those guys are the shit. Internationally our biggest influences are bands like Blink-182.. yeah all they’ve mentioned. 28. Timothy Wafula (Qreed): Mostly we’ve been doing covers of the bands we look up to. But we have 3 songs basically working on some more tunes. working on our first EP. Keep your eyes and ears out, wait for it. It’s going to be so rad!

Who's the wildest? WO: I think Sam. That guy’s got a death wish sometimes. SM: Willy man, that ninja crazy XD ask anyone. TW: We wouldn’t even argue on this one, Slammy is crazy. He can do anything I bet he would jump off of the roof of a building. I like his wild thoughts and idea. He’s totally crazy. What's your view now and future of the skate scene as well as the rock scene? WO: Both scenes are growing which is beautiful for us on the both ends. SM: Its bright man, there’s more gigs. more pro skaters and international bands gigging here. There seem to be a convergence of the two scenes which was long overdude (haha overdude,I made a new word) TW: The skate scene has come from way far. We’ve seen guys coming to Kenya hit spots, More keeds are appreciating skateboarding everyday. Skateboarding is bright and the future looks beautiful. The rock industry is also growing cause we’ve seen a few bands coming up over the few years. Gigs and European bands hit the Kenyan metal scene.shout out to HHF and Kenya Rock Society. So you're having a rock gig and a skate gig at the same day, which one would you go? SM: Both man.. Why? Skaterock…plus you cant skate the whole night mehn… TW: I’m sure we’ll head out to the rock gig. Cause there we get to do lots of gnarly stuff. I believe even a skate gig is always dope but I think performing is the one I would go to cause, then all eyes will be on us when we hit the stage and let loose. WO: Well I hate to admit this but I think we’d go to the rock gig. Cause rock gigs are where we grow and they tend to be more fun than skate gigs. At Every gig we meet new people but at skate gigs we just skate with the same homies we’ve been skating with for years. Though don’t get me wrong skate gig are super fun too.

Facebook: Powerslide Interview by Saviour Kumwaka

Word to young kids? TW: Young keed, passion. Do what you love. Trust me, practice trumps talent everyday. Put in work on your passion and you will see results. Wake up, be humble, kick ass, repeat. WO: -Listen to punk rock. Pick up a skateboard. Just don’t end up like the persona in our song ‘The Keed’. SM: Do what you wanna do NOW. Don’t wait till you are old enough, or have enough money. You can do anything you want, especisally now with the internet, on skating ..keep skating and keep your shoulders parallel always keeds. When playing bass, one finger per fret always. Peace! Closing remarks.. SM: Skaterock keeds .#stay stoked one love TW: Thank you to Sighkick Mag for this interview, thank you Skateboarding for the far we come together, thank you Powerslide helping me more about music. Urging more people to join the punk community and lets skateboard. Keep up the good work Sighkick, this is really awesome. WO: I’ll finish by giving the mag a huge shout out for giving us this interview and I’d like to urge everyone reading this to check out our music. The easiest way to find some would be on our facebook page Powerslide, and be on the lookout for our debut EP coming at you soon.

Newton Gitao Trick: Ollie

Juniour Geshohe Trick: Ollie

Ivy Shiko Trick Ollie Photo by Samuel Maguta

Ronaldo Ligare Trick: Boneless over curb Photo by Samuel Maguta

Fescemyer Opiyo Trick: Trey-flip Photo by Samuel Maguta