Poetry And Song

I have realised that there are as many poets as they are singers, sometimes you have both. Muthoni Ndonga performs spoken word and sings. She may be famous for her singing, and fabulous drumming skills but when the need arises she can lay down a serious ‘flo-em’.

Poet, Maik Kwambo, who is part of Mstari Wa Nne poets also sings. You may have heard him sing Nakupenda if not, we will be giving you a sample of his songs soon.

ONE TO WATCH
I was watching the reality talent show, Tusker Project Fame 3 (TPF3), when I saw a familiar face.
Patricia Kihoro, is currently one of the top three acts on TPF3.
She has graced the Rhythm and Spoken stage as a poet before, who knew she possessed such great vocal talent. And it turns out she is also an actress and you may have spotted her in the Just A Band video If I Could

Her first song on the show was Lazizi by the band Sauti Sol, keeping it local all the way, Catch TPF3 every Sunday on Citizen TV.
(**ahem**I had a little trouble uploading her picture but it will be up soon)

 

Featured Performer – Nina Ogot

Nina in Nairobi
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Nina Ogot

Meet Nina Ogot, the talented Afro-acoustic singer who graced the R&S stage early this year

 

Playlist 101

Playlist 102

Here’s is some more information on the Rhythm &Spoken playlist i.e the music played before and after performances

To Go Forward

You may have heard her single closer or first love. Goapele (pronounced gwa-play) actually has Kenyan roots. Well, not exactly, her father Douglas Mohlabane a South African exile met and married her mother Noa a jewish student in Nairobi, Kenya. Her name means to go forward in South African language Tswana.

The couple then relocated to the US where Goapele and her brother were born. A gifted child, Goapele attended the Berkeley Arts Magnet School where she sung in the school choir, joined a music group called Vocal motion and became actively involved in organisations that fought racism and sexism. The activism bug bit her early and to this day Goapele remains involved in social awareness.

Goapele attended the Berklee School of music when she graduated from high school. Her first album the Even Closer is a mixture of RnB and jazz and features gems like Closer, Ease your mind, Too much the same.

“With my music, I’m telling my own story. I’m expressing my own view. I want for people to not feel like they’re alone. I want people to reflect on their own lives and think about the things that they want and figure out how to obtain them. Also for people that aren’t satisfied with what they see around them and in their communities, I hope it motivates them to start taking small steps to change those things.” – Goapele,

For more on Goapele visit http://www.goapele.com

Corneille

Rwandan roots and an international upbringing mark Corneille Nyungura who was born in Germany. When he was six years old his family moved back to Rwanda. Corneille described this move as “ going to a place where he belonged” but this feeling was short-lived when in 1994 Rwanda’s President Habyarimana was assassinated. What followed was a horrific massacre that saw 80,000 people killed, among them were Corneille’s parents and relatives. He managed to escape with his life, living first in Kinshasa then Germany where some family friends took him in.

“For a good ten years after the genocide,” he says, “I lived in a great deal of denial. But I managed not to get too bitter because I had parents who always made me feel special. It’s a sort of pain that you can have closure with. I know I’m not going to be able to talk to my family ever again, but they left me with memories filled with such love that I don’t have that much anger.” He lived in Germany for three yeas before moving to Montreal where he released his first album Parce Qu’on Vient de Loin. Though not initially a hit in Canada, the album was an overnight success in France and this prompted it’s re-release in Canada where it eventually went platinum.
Corneille, who has recorded with Yossou N’Dour, is a goodwill ambassador as well spokesperson for Red Cross. He is latest effort is the The Birth Of Cornelius album which he recorded in English.

More on Corneille visit http://www.corneille.ca

 

March Rhythm & Spoken

This Friday 13 at Dass, Project Heshima hosts Rhythm &Spoken. A poetry OPEN mic and music jam laced with NeoSoul hits.
This month we will be featuring afroacoustix singer Nina Ogot. On the mic watch out for the poets Mstari wa Nne and others.
Entry: Sh200 only.
Doors open at 8:30, show from 9pm -10:30pm, Afterparty with DJ Edu.

For Open mic sign up or
Dinner reservations call 0728 293632

See you there.
PJH

 

Mstari wa Nne

Previously we have had different poets grace the R&S stage. A group of four such poets have come up with Mstari wa Nne a poetry group. Njeri Wangari, Mike Kwambo, Dennis Inkwa, Grand master Masese and Leon Kiptum make up the talented lot that is Mstari wa Nne.

The name Mstari wa nne, Swahili for fourth line (stanza), was coined at the group’s inception when four poets decided to work together. Group membership has since grown to five, but they have opted to retain the name.

They have individually honed skills at various poetry forums such the Kwani? Open Mic at Club Soundd, WAPI at the British Council and Rhythm and Spoken at the Daas Ethiopian Restaurant.

The group has a vision of diversity in poetry, literary arts, music and culture, making their work quite unique.

Mstari Wa Nne is on a mission. Every piece they do exhibits their passion for poetry, the spoken word and performance; but there is more: they feel that it is the time for performance poetry to grab its rightful place in the spotlight that it thoroughly deserves.

They view themselves as all rounders, comfortable writing and performing poetry touching on various topics
The fusion of the five poets working together as Mstari Wa Nne makes you realise that this is one immensely talented group whose star is constantly on the rise.

They feed their creative souls from a variety of sources: music, poetry,literature as well as the day to day issues in life.
Mstari Wa Nne’s biggest wish is to impact their audiences. “We want the audience to feel that they got something new with a positive and energetic message. They should also feel like they had fun.”

WEBSITES:

Official Blog: http://www.mstariwanne.blogspot.com

Official Fan Page: http://www.myspace.com/mstariwanne

 

Della’s Debut

Dela

When she performed at Rhythm &Spoken last year, she quickly gained fans with her songs and strong vocals. Della or Adel has the kind of sound that will eventually force the Kenyan mainstream to take a closer look at the live music scene. Find out what Della is all about..

I started singing from the age of five I think. In nursery school but it became apparent in middle school.After I sang at a school event  they’d had me do it every other time…even birthdays. Funny! At first I felt like people were taking advantage of me but then I realised that they were juts appreciating a gift that God had given to me.

I never studied music per se, I did sing in church and school a lot. I write my own songs. I’m inspired by my experiences. By the turns life takes. By the people I meet. By the things I see.  My music is a fusion of many styles, reggae, jazz, neosoul.i like to refer to it as afro-soul. It’s hugely influenced by African music and its elements.

My music is taking me to greater heights. I admire India arie, asa, khadja Nin, Tanya Stevens, Adele, Ayo, Lauryn Hill…they are all of different styles. Madem wameiva! I admire them in terms of vocal prowess, songwriting abilities and their stage personalities.

Whoa! It’s been amazing working with Wawesh, Stan and Sauti Sol. I’ve grown a great deal performing alongside Stan (who I did background vocals for) Sauti sol and Wawesh. And I’m grateful for the opportunity of having known them. I’ m glad I have been able to do everything I’ve always wanted to do. My music career is kicking off and I am being moulded into an architect on the side. Good stuff!

I’m loving Golden by Chrisette Michele. This lady understands the makings of a good song from the instrumentation to the lyrics, to the ad-libs, to the delivery! Eh! Enough said!

Reality TV shows are very entertaining! That’s it! I stopped believing that they are “looking for talent’! Talent is kicked out haraka chap-chap! I’ve never taken part in them because I don’t feel it’s the right platform to showcase my style of music.

Music has a great way influencing the listener’s mind either positively or negatively. Easy publicity, supportive media will improve the plight of Kenyan artistes My album will be out before the end of the year. Expect quality! For real! My favourite tracks are Nairobi love, Listen and Yeye ndiye...

 

Featured performer – Maia Von Lekow

Maia Von Lekow sat on the high stool, smiled at Kato Change who was sitting a foot away with his guitar and strummed a note on her guitar, Kato follows suit. She has this thick dark hair and is dressed in an unassuming top and long skirt, her well worn flats look comfortable and light.

She opened her mouth to sing and the room fell silent. Her voice is pure and, it certainly feels like a privilege to be sitting and listening to it live. The words to her songs are dreamy yet at the same time accessible she sings of Oysters, Bata Bullets, mosquitoes…her subjects are sometimes funny and sometimes sad but everyone in the room can relate to what she is saying. Later in the night one of the audience members approaches me and tells me with gleaming eyes he hasn’t heard anything like that in a long time and I concur.

This December 19th we will feature among other artistes the Kenyan born Maia accompanied by Kato at the Rhythm And Spoken 2008 finale. Maia has numerous gigs lined up for the festive season and as we speak she will be heading out to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Few are the times the sound of music gives you cause for pause but the type strummed by this two talented individuals definitely will.

Kato Change

As the leading guitarist, Kato is one of Kenya’s most promising guitarists and also plays with Rock band UETA. Born into a musical family Kato has been musically prolific since the age of three, tapping on drums, experimenting with harmonicas and ultimately teaching himslef the guitar. Kato’s style is reminscent of George Benson and Paco De Lucia but with his own original twist.

For more on Maia visit: http://www.myspace.com/maiavonlekow

Music sample from a South African/Canadian theatre production, Crossroads, that raises awareness in Africa on issues of rape, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS: http://www.cmfd.org/cmfdaudio/CrossroadsThemeMusic.mp3

 

Rhythm & Spoken October 10th

Good Music, poetry and some cake…

Last months Rhythm & Spoken was on Moi day but we still got a great turnout. And a cool show with poets Mike Kwambo, Barabara,Obaladan, Njeri,Sol, Cheboi, and Kule among other gracing the stage. Featured singer Della aka Adel did a great job with her soon to be hit Nairobi.

Della Belts it out

We also got perfomances from upcoming afrosoul singer Stan and past featured bands Elani and Aziza. Her are some pictures from those events. The neo-soul selection was ofcourse on point. One of Elani’s vocalists had a surprise arranged for her by her sister who presented her with her birthday cake after her perfomance.

Barabara the French/Fans of R&S

Fans at the event

Fans of R&S

Mike Kwambo does his thing.

Mike Kwambo

The one and only Njeri Wangari performs crowd favourite- “Hip hop consumes me like strawberry blues”

And the after party… ok some of it

party over here

 

Featured Poet- Sandra Mushi

Sandra Mushi

Writer/Poet/Interior design architect

“By the way I don’t see myself as a poet. I see myself more as a writer, no, more like a creative person. If I am a poet, then I see myself as more of a neo-soul poet.”

Sandra Mushi

What were you doing five minutes ago?

Hmmm … designing, replying e-mails and reading – all at the same time. I’m quite impatient, you see, and can be quite restless – I always have to be busy.

Interior design architecture and poetry, is there a connection?

Yup, they are both arts. You have to have that creative niche to be able to do either.
What can I expect when I pick up Rhythm Of My Rhyme? What’s unique about it?

Someone who has already read it said and I quote “I am sure it will receive acclaim from those it speaks volumes to and create sufficient amount of discomfort to those it is meant to unsettle.” She couldn’t have said it better.

Do you have a favourite poem in Rhythm Of My Rhyme?

I think I have two – I Am Not Alone and I Keep On Loving.

Who is your all time favourite poet?

I’d say Jill Scott – to me she is a poet extraordinaire. Her music speaks volumes. She is so soulful and passionate.

You also write short stories, what comes easier poetry or prose?

Prose, Lol. I don’t have to think as much – about the flow etc and I hate thinking, LoL.

What’s your creative process?

Hmmm … if its poetry I prefer to have some music in the background, particularly neo soul. Actually, even with prose. Music moves me. Interesting though I get most of my ideas when it’s totally quiet – when I’m sleeping, that is.

Do you think that the East African poetic experience is the same all through or do you sense some differences between Tanzanian, Kenyan and Ugandan poets?

I think it’s different. In the sense that when it comes to reading as a whole I know Kenyans are really into reading and I think the same goes for Uganda; Tanzanians are slowly getting there. But when it comes to poetry, it depends – we have the spoken word poetry, which we hear through music etc, with this I would say the experience is the same throughout the three countries; however, when it comes to written poetry, then I would say what I said about the reading culture in the three countries.

Being from TZ where Swahili sanifu is the lingua franca why did you choose to write in English? Haaa haaa! Swahili is so hard to write, especially Swahili sanifu! It’s such a rich and beautiful language that you just can’t afford to mess up even a bit. If I can’t do something I never attempt it. Writing Swahili will be like committing suicide – it’s that hard!

Have any personal experiences ever found their way into your work?

I write what I see, what I hear and sometimes what I experience. I’d say most of the poems under The Great Orgasm are my experience.

What’s on your playlist? What kind of music do you find particularly inspiring?

It varies – in my studio Jill Scott, Jill Scott, Jill Scott, LoL! … And some Heather Headley, India Arie; in my car – house music (I love the loudness and aliveness, LoL!); in my lounge some Jill Scott,Keith Sweat etc

What would you like to be written on your epitaph?
Lol! Here smiles (NOT lies!) the crazy (my friends believe I am) person who lived life and didn’t let life live her.

Sandra Mushi is a Tanzanian writer/ poet and architect. She recently published her poetry anthology Rhythm Of My Rhyme this year. The book launched in Dar Es Salaam wil soon be available locally. If you would like to get your Kenyan copy contact Erica on 0721-622697

You can read more on Sandra on her blogg www.saharasoulfood.wordpress.com

or www.authorsden.com/sandraamushi

 

Playlist 101

Since we began Rhythm & Spoken early last year we have featured a diverse neo-soul/ raregroove playlist with the recent addition of African music. We usually get inquiries from the audience regarding songs that we play during and after performances. Here are the recent most popular inquiries…

Ayo

Of Nigerian and German heritage, Ayo’s music is the kind that creeps up and envelopes you in warmth. Her videos are even more interesting with African scenes form the 70s or modern day Lagos. www.myspace.com/ayo

Album Review-Ayo

Ayo’s album is an eye opener. Her falsetto and guitar strums seem innocent at first listen but on further inspection reveal a lot on pain, love and laughter. She is playful in Life is real and loving in Only you. A sure hit Help is coming is a hopeful ode to struggle. Life is real is my current favourite, the video is simple but fun, set in Lagos it shows the singer dancing in the streets with children and women and the break down: “”Me I be Ayo ogunmakin fear no foe I am real from head to toe just like my heart and like my soul” always makes me smile.

Asa (pron. Asha)

Nigerian singer whose music has garnered a popular following in Africa and the diaspora. She is without doubt a gifted vocalist whose music can soften even the hardest of souls.

Album review

Asa sings in English, pidgin and a her native Yoruba. Popular songs include Jailer, Bi Banke and Fire on the Mountain. Her self titled debut album is really good, it’s the kind of music to play on a sunny sunday afternoon while enjoying a glass of chilled wine. I have also discovered it reduces road rage.

My current favourite is Subway “I have come from far away/ To see this go down the drain/ I have waited patiently and this is what I get/ Emotionally failing me /My whole wide world is caving in/ I’m not so free to express myself /The woman in me Wo wo wo don’t fade away ” Simply amazing. you can read more on Asa at: http://kenyanpoet.blogspot.com/2008/08/asaasha-lights-fire-on-mountain-at-dass.html

Freshly Ground

Freshly Ground are a South African band whose video – Pot belly, caught my eye. They are creative in a way that is very subtle and their music is self assured and fresh. It still has the tell-tell South African rhythms but their amazing fusion of african drums guiter, jazz, pop and dance offset by lead singer Zo’s distinct voice really sets them apart. Albums Ma Cherie, Nomvula and Jik Jika are must have cds for Afro-soul/folk lovers.

Album review-Ma Cherie

This is my current favourite of all their albums. I am biased because it contains Pot belly of course. Its thoughtful, fun and kind of sexy in its on home grown, Freshly Ground way.

Baby Tonight is a nice mid tempo track with echoes of Paul Simon. Fired up is the coolest. I am still absorbing this album but I must assure you it does not disappoint. Check them out on http://www.freshlyground.com/