A friend of mine lost a sister. This lady was both a wife and mother; a very good one too from my own experience and what they had to say about her. She has left behind a young husband, and two small girls, the oldest being 5 years old.
I was sad. I still am. The girls need their mother. The husband still needs a lover, friend, partner and mother to his children. They spoke of quality time spent as a family before her demise. There should be no regrets, right? Well, all the more to regret I think. The children will definitely feel the gap left and the father will be compelled to compensate for their loss...or so I think.
The potrait that one was left with of her is that of a saint. The kind of people who were mourning her, the sorrow that was heavy in the air...she was a giver, a problem solver, a dedicated friend, a competent mother and an able helper. Why her death? Nothing happens without a reason. God Knows. But I feel a loss on behalf of my friend.This is the second sister she has lost. May God comfort her, her family, and all those that have suffered loss.
"God has given me peace"
5 yr old daughter of the deceased to her aunt.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Mbilia Bel et al
Mbilia Bel was in town!!!! Her concert was at the Godown Art Centre Friday and Saturday. I went for the Saturday show and let it suffice to say that I am still recovering from the experience.
But first, about Atemi, the curtain raiser: I had never heard her before, the woman is GOOOD!!! Her music feels very Eric Wanaina and it is understandable since she background sings for him. This is not a bad thing; Eric is really good as an afro- fusion artist and his music is pretty original and what may be called authentic contemporary Kenyan music. Back to Atemi, what I loved best about her is her voice. She didn't try to ape anyone or do with it what it cannot do, what we heard was Atemi pure and simple. She was very comfortable in her performance and strongly reminded me of Miriam Makeba. She has the same husky yet clear sound that Mama Africa carries. It was announced that her second album is almost out; I am getting the first one, and waiting eagerly for the second.
Atemi, you Rock!
After dear Atemi, we all had a chance to go have a drink, grab a quick bite or visit the "toohoo" in preparation for "Mama wa Amani". Let me quickly mention that the show was one of the many events Joy Mboya's Godown Art centre had organized in celebration of women artists. There was an art exhibition showcasing great indigenous pieces- my favourite being the Red face" series, "the pots", "my first car" and "the conversation". Actually, in my opinion, the best pieces were done by the artist of "the conversation". (I can't remember her name for the life of me). The images were implied rather than outlined; it felt like looking through smoke and that is what made her images so powerful. I would definitely have bought her work if they didn't cost an average of Ksh.50,000/= which, they are worth every penny. Very original work at the Godown, nothing like the Maasai faces that bombard us everyday... There will be readings from Kwani? and a few other items that I can't remember right now but can be accessed from http://www.thegodownartcentre.com/
I don't know how old Mbilia Bel is but I remember watching her as a girl on Urtna Exchange Program on KBC, then VOK, where she used to sing beside Tabu Ley. I thought she was the most beautiful African woman I had seen; she is graceful in her movement, her voice is soft, soothing, and penetrating to the soul. Élegante! That's the one word that describes this amazing woman. She sang, she danced, she won our hearts by simply being on stage. What I enjoyed the most about her performance is that she was enjoying her music as much as we were. She wasn't just performing for us her paying fans, it seemed to me that if she was in her own house alone, she would sing and dance as much as she did Saturday night. Her music has some Benga, Lingala, Salsa, Merengue and Samba. I was sad that she didn't have a bigger crowd to perform to, this is the kind of performer I would want people to experience. Sorry, no pictures, my camera can't take good photos at night :-)
This was a busy weekend for me. The next day I was at the Braeburn theatre for Sterling Quality's musical "Sterling Quality at 10". Sterling Quality is celebrating it's ten years of existence. Sterling Quality is well known for it's annual musicals. This year's musical was a run through of all their performances; what was incredible is that even though the original cast of most of the musicals was not present, excerpts from previous productions reflected the original spirit and at times superceded it. Great artists! Great orchestra! Great authors and script writers! Wonderful composers!
Lwanda Magere- Man of stone was the best work in my opinion. The story as was written is alive. The music, the dances, the human relationships ring true to our cultural background and human nature. There were three actors whose performance carried the story in my opinion. Steve, Mwamzee, and the young man that played Lwanda Magere- I didn't get his name... All the performers at the show were exemplery and I thank Sterling Quality for sharing these amazing talents with us.
For more on Sterling Quality Entertainment Co. please visit http://www.sterlingq.com
But first, about Atemi, the curtain raiser: I had never heard her before, the woman is GOOOD!!! Her music feels very Eric Wanaina and it is understandable since she background sings for him. This is not a bad thing; Eric is really good as an afro- fusion artist and his music is pretty original and what may be called authentic contemporary Kenyan music. Back to Atemi, what I loved best about her is her voice. She didn't try to ape anyone or do with it what it cannot do, what we heard was Atemi pure and simple. She was very comfortable in her performance and strongly reminded me of Miriam Makeba. She has the same husky yet clear sound that Mama Africa carries. It was announced that her second album is almost out; I am getting the first one, and waiting eagerly for the second.
Atemi, you Rock!
After dear Atemi, we all had a chance to go have a drink, grab a quick bite or visit the "toohoo" in preparation for "Mama wa Amani". Let me quickly mention that the show was one of the many events Joy Mboya's Godown Art centre had organized in celebration of women artists. There was an art exhibition showcasing great indigenous pieces- my favourite being the Red face" series, "the pots", "my first car" and "the conversation". Actually, in my opinion, the best pieces were done by the artist of "the conversation". (I can't remember her name for the life of me). The images were implied rather than outlined; it felt like looking through smoke and that is what made her images so powerful. I would definitely have bought her work if they didn't cost an average of Ksh.50,000/= which, they are worth every penny. Very original work at the Godown, nothing like the Maasai faces that bombard us everyday... There will be readings from Kwani? and a few other items that I can't remember right now but can be accessed from http://www.thegodownartcentre.com/
I don't know how old Mbilia Bel is but I remember watching her as a girl on Urtna Exchange Program on KBC, then VOK, where she used to sing beside Tabu Ley. I thought she was the most beautiful African woman I had seen; she is graceful in her movement, her voice is soft, soothing, and penetrating to the soul. Élegante! That's the one word that describes this amazing woman. She sang, she danced, she won our hearts by simply being on stage. What I enjoyed the most about her performance is that she was enjoying her music as much as we were. She wasn't just performing for us her paying fans, it seemed to me that if she was in her own house alone, she would sing and dance as much as she did Saturday night. Her music has some Benga, Lingala, Salsa, Merengue and Samba. I was sad that she didn't have a bigger crowd to perform to, this is the kind of performer I would want people to experience. Sorry, no pictures, my camera can't take good photos at night :-)
This was a busy weekend for me. The next day I was at the Braeburn theatre for Sterling Quality's musical "Sterling Quality at 10". Sterling Quality is celebrating it's ten years of existence. Sterling Quality is well known for it's annual musicals. This year's musical was a run through of all their performances; what was incredible is that even though the original cast of most of the musicals was not present, excerpts from previous productions reflected the original spirit and at times superceded it. Great artists! Great orchestra! Great authors and script writers! Wonderful composers!
Lwanda Magere- Man of stone was the best work in my opinion. The story as was written is alive. The music, the dances, the human relationships ring true to our cultural background and human nature. There were three actors whose performance carried the story in my opinion. Steve, Mwamzee, and the young man that played Lwanda Magere- I didn't get his name... All the performers at the show were exemplery and I thank Sterling Quality for sharing these amazing talents with us.
For more on Sterling Quality Entertainment Co. please visit http://www.sterlingq.com
Friday, October 26, 2007
My C.V.
CAREER OBJECTIVE
To pursue a career in an organization whose focus is diplomacy, negotiation and development issues in the region
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
. Interpersonal and communication skills
. Critical, analytical & problem-solving skills
. Research and report writing
. Organizational skills
WORK EXPERIENCE
Feb 2007 – To date University Admissions counselor
. Verify applicant’s academic records for relevance to admission requirements
. Validate the authenticity of certificates and transcripts
. Prepare and submit reports to the Head of Admissions
. Participate in designing of admissions promotional publications
. Participate in promotion activities for recruitment
Feb 2006 – July 2006 University Researcher
.Research on Student Life in Universities in Kenya
Sept 2004 – April 2006 University Work study program (Reporting to the Counseling Assistant)
. Provide administrative support to the centre. Carry out research
. Assist in the coordination of activities
EDUCATION
2007- to date Nairobi
.Master of Arts in International Relations
2002 - 2006 Nairobi
.Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Minor: Gender Studies
GPA 3.80 (Magna cum Laude)
(Dean’s List Winter 2003- Summer 2006)
1997- 1998 Moscow Institute of Roads and Vehicles (MADI), Moscow
.Russian Foundation Course- Computer engineering
1996- 1997 Computer Visions, Nairobi
.Computer packages
Feb- Aug 1996 Alliance Française, Nairobi
.Beginner’s French
1992 - 1995 Precious Blood Secondary School, Nairobi
.Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Mean grade B+
17th March, 21st - 22nd July, 2006 University, Nairobi
. Undergraduate representative, International Relations Program Review Conference, Nairobi
Sept – Nov 2005 University, Nairobi
. Secretary to the AIDS Control Unit (ACU) Students’ Committee
ACTIVITIES
30th August, 2006
. Sexual harassment survey and report, submitted to the University's Counselling Centre
21st- 26th August, 2006
. Assistant to the Head - Alumni Affairs, Alumni Association Re-launch event, University, Nairobi
29th – 31st May, 2006
. Supervising Usher, 3rd International CEED Conference, Nairobi
9th March, 2006
. Support staff, Univesity's HIV and AIDS Policy Launch, University, Nairobi
3rd – 4th March, 2006
. HIV & AIDS Peer education training, Joint programme –University / PharmAccess, University, Nairobi
13-16th November 2005
. Delegate, SCUSA 57 (Student Conference on U.S. Affairs), U.S Military Academy, WestPoint, New York, USA
29th July 2005
. Participant, Ford Foundation University Debate- “University leadership reflects the national political leadership.” Utalii Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
12th – 14th July 2005
. Support staff, University Career fair, University, Nairobi
14th July, 2005
. Panelist, Cross Fire “Job less, Jobs less” University Career fair, University, Nairobi
April 2005
. Panelist, Cross Fire “Corruption and the Youth”, University, Nairobi
February 2005
. Cuban Ambassador to the Kenya Model United Nations, UNEP headquarters, Gigiri, Kenya
December 2004
. Leader of development partners delegation, Multi- lateral negotiations simulation, University, Nairobi
Jan 2003- Sept 2006
. University International students’ orientation, Nairobi
11 -24 October 2003
. East Africa’s Inter- port student - Semester At Sea program, Summer voyage (India - Tanzania)
LANGUAGES
English, Swahili & Basic French
COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Word, Excel & Publisher; PowerPoint; Picture Manager; Email & Internet
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
August 11, 2006 Peer counselling and distribution of sanitary towels, Kibera slums, University HIV&AIDS Peer Educators program
May 15- July 21, 2006 English tutor, class 7& 8, Kasarani Primary School, Nairobi
2000- 2003 Background vocalist, Music team, International Christian Center, Nairobi, Kenya.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
First things...
I have been meaning to do this for a while. Initially, it was so that my C.V. could be viewed by potential employers; that is still one of the reason why i am blogging but i would also like to share my opinion on many things since I hold one on everything anyway :-) I have pictures and experiences I would like to share as well.
I shall post an edited version C.V. now, and hopefully something will come out of that...my pictures go up next and the stories and opinion will have to wait till I get inspration :-)
I shall post an edited version C.V. now, and hopefully something will come out of that...my pictures go up next and the stories and opinion will have to wait till I get inspration :-)
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