Author - Jammy

1 Comment

Your name and what do you do?

Aisha Khamis Mwajumlah, I am a journalist, I anchor news at Pwani Tv

Tell us about your educational background?

I am a graduate with a Diploma in Public Relations Management n Diploma in Mass Communication

How do you feel about being a Muslim Woman Tv presenter? Do you receive negative feedbacks?

It’s awesome and inspiring even to myself.

There was a movie you were part of, S.A.F.E tell us about it?

WATATU is the 1st movie nimefanya, originally it was a stage play about peace and tribalism yenye tulifanya as SAFE before the previous elections then tulipopata funds it was made a movie ambayo iligusia about extremism and radicalization. It was an interesting experience doing it.

Being a creative in Mombasa is not as successful as Nairobi, will this change in time?

Definitely. Right now artists in Mombasa have known how to spread their liabilities and have come closer together to make a difference. They support each other more and do art as professionals and all this, in time, will make a huge difference. An artist can make it anywhere and Mombasa has so much talent, si lazima uitoke ndio uwe succeful.

Do you think us as Mombasa residents can work together to fix and uplift little theatre club, and how can we go about it?

Yes we can. By appreciating art more. In as much as art is entertaining it is also the artist’s livelihood, as residents we should show up at the theatre whenever kuna show natushow support.

Do you have any Hobbies that people don’t know about?

Which ones do people know so that I can say the ones they don’t know? Anyways, I am a movie person, do some sailing every time I get the chance, I love travelling n I enjoy my time in the kitchen. I love cookin

What advice would you give to young Muslim girls?

This is to all the young girls out there, the society perceive us in a certain way on the bases that we are women and especially wenye twatoka Mombasa,bt it’s that time we prove them wrong. Anything is possible; the sky is no longer the limit. You can be whoever u want to be. Know your strengths and maximize on them and also be aware of your weaknesses and embrace them and always aim at being better than yesterday.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

That’s tricky coz ya Mungu ni Mengi and with that am just letting His will be done, But definitely I am hopping for the best.

Parting shot

Love your job or what you do for a living because if you don’t you won’t grow neither will you be productive nor creative and you will always be frustrated.

Interview by Portraying Africa

January 21, 2016

Media Interviews

An interview in German

Jamila Hassan

Jina Langu ni Mauko Maunde

December 16, 2015

1 Comment

Your Name and what you do?

Mauko Maunde. I’m a lot of things rolled into one. Blogger, Web developer, Poet, Band manager and a trainee civil engineer.

What’s the one thing that amazes you?

Beauty in its rawest, most innocent form. It is all around us, in the sights and people around us. That, and the capacity for humanity in people. Despite all that happens, those people that remain “good” and restore your faith in humanity never cease to amaze me.

Tell us about Artists in Mombasa, do you think they are doing enough to be recognized?

I don’t think so. Wanataka kuchezea nyumbani hapa. Most do not want to get out of their comfort zones. They are going the tried and tested way forgetting that this line of work requires one to think beyond the gamut and try out new things. Go out there into the unknown, so to speak.

You manage different artist, what is the one challenge you face the most?

Getting them gigs to perform, then getting them paid after an event. On top of that is finding producers they can work well with, but these are apparently “normal” challenges.

Tell us about Sanaa Salon?

Sanaa Salon was borne of the need for a platform for artistes and writers to showcase thier various creative endeavours and create a large community where networks can be created and as result utilised to grow both individuals and the arts industry as a whole. It is a showcase of creative works and opinions from various stakeholders, but primarily young artistes.

Our publishing and marketing division, at www.books.sanaasalon.com also seeks to offer convenient and affordable publishing for budding writers who would otherwise not afford the exhorbitant costs associated with mainstream publishers. We do this by creating ebooks in various formats and distributing the same across markets.

Blogging has not been received well in Mombasa, compared to Nairobi. Do you think this will change?

Yes. I think the tide is changing, albeit too slowly, but we are headed there. I have seen a number of blogs come up in the recent past. Pretty decent ones I must add. Coupled with the establishment of the Coast BAKE chapter, the future looks good.

What is required, I think, is an awareness by Coastal young people of the immense opportunities blogging offers, both in terms of self-development and expansion of thought spaces; not to mention the obvious financial gains that can be achieved from a well- written blog.

How do you manage time to run your blog efficiently?

I realised the best way to handle it is to ask for help. I know, most people wouldn’t want to cede control of their blogs to others, but it’s the only way to maintain an active blog with a wide variety of perspectives.

Since one of my blogs is for events, I thought it would be easier and more convenient to crowdsource its content, so I only have to edit the submitted posts.

How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?

Ah, we are making new year resolutions now, are we? Well, for one I’d like to see better performance from by blogs and other projects; perhaps even take them up as a full-time gig. I want to invest more in growing the literary space in Mombasa because I realised that makes me happy, and I’m content when I’m happy.

Can you name some of your favourite bloggers and explain why they are your favourites?

Well, you for one. I love your photos. They represent a perspective of Mombasa only those of us who live here see, a beautiful face they don’t show much elsewhere. Keep up the good work. There is Jackson Biko too, I want to conceive and nurture words in the way he does so when I let them out into the world they can hold their own, blow minds and change lives. For the better. Ah, Jacque Ndinda. I love her. Her writing I mean.

Parting shot

A while back, someone mentioned off-handedly that Mombasa was backward, and the residents too daft for their own good. I could have argued otherwise then, in their defence, but I did not. I’m glad I can do that now

Safaricom Jazz: Rhythm and Serenity

December 10, 2015

Events

The wind whistled slowly as the night crept in, the heat engulfed the air it was bound to be a beautiful night. The crowds started streaming in flocking the grounds at Butterfly pavilion for the Safaricom Jazz. The Gates opened at 6:30 in the evening and cars were directed to designated parking areas, while others were taken to the venue by various buses.

The decor at the dome was impeccably done, with the seating area, draped in white and the dome well lit, setting the mood for a lovely night of jazz. Everyone was seated by 8pm eagerly waiting for the show to start. With various vendors set up at nearby tents selling food and drinks, as well as other vendors selling African artifacts, there were enough activities to indulge in before the show started. We all love photos, and Safaricom definitely knew this, by providing a photo booth, where all in attendance got a chance to look glam while having their photos taken!

The crowd was ready for a soulful night, the ladies all dressed and the gents looking dashing as ever, this was not your everyday music concert. Finally at around 9:30pm, Edward Perseen and the Different Faces band gave a spectacular performance, including a special rendition of jazz with a Coastal feel to it, that got the whole crowd dancing and ready for the main show! They are definitely a force to reckon with, when it comes to the jazz scene in Kenya.

Kirk Whalum graced the stage with passion and fire, and his soulful performance made you reconnect with your spirit. In his first piece he started off with the Gospel according to Jazz from Chapter 1 to 5, that left everyone in the crowd in awe. His energy resonated in every song he played, as they shared the stage with Gerald Albright and Norman Brown. Many people among the crowd, weren’t familiar with Shelea Fraizer’s music, but she captivated everyone with her sultry voice and skills on the piano; she’s an upcoming artist that we should definitely look out for in the scene.

Norman Brown was the highlight of the event, his infusion of and contemporary jazz left the audience satisfied with every succulent inflected note. The crowd moved to his beats, creating a wave of bliss and emotions that swept over the entire audience. He has a way with the guitar and it was evident when he showed off his skills while strumming the guitar behind his back as the crowd looked on in amazement!

Finally, Gerald Albright came on stage, the crowd still excited and yearning for more jazz tunes. Gerald Albright has this soulful way of making everyone in the crowd, transfixed to his performance; his emotions while playing the saxophone, leaves you in a daze and it’s no wonder that when it comes to jazz, he definitely is a maestro!

The Jazz Festival was truly a breath of fresh air in Mombasa, a few lucky winners among the crowd were fortunate enough to win phones and airtime thanks to Safaricom. The jazz enthusiast and CEO of Safaricom, Bob Collymore has definitely paved the way and set high standards for jazz festivals in Nairobi and Mombasa. Safaricom outdid themselves with a well organized concert; from the decor, security, sound and not to mention the entertainment from the jazz maestros, that culminated the year well. Mombasa looks forward to many more concerts, and probably jazz musicians gracing us for the next Safaricom Jazz Festival!

This what others had to say about the event :

Maureen Bandari

This was my first time attending the Safaricom Jazz event. I didn’t know most of the performers so I was a little skeptical of going but I knew that we don’t get the pleasure of having concerts like this in Mombasa all the time so I decided to go and check it out. First of all, the security was good and there is nothing as awesome as feeling secure during times like this when terror is everywhere. I loved the organization of the event since everything was moving swiftly and the dome itself was well decorated and organized.

I loved the caliber of people that turned up and their energy. The artists were engaging with the audience and playing familiar music every once in a while. It was truly an awesome experience ,swaying to the sound of the instruments, laughing at the jokes and being in awe of the amazing voices. The artists left us wanting more by the time the event came to a close end.

On areas of improvement, this being Mombasa a dome sometimes is too confining which makes it too hot. Unless you go ahead and install fans as well, I think an open air concert is much better and more comfortable. Other than that this is an event I will definitely attend come next year’s version.

Winnie Araka

The thing I liked most about the event was the ambiance. The crowd was great and appreciative. Everyone was on their feet and there wasn’t one dull moment. The musicians were on point. It is worth noting too that the event organizers were very organised, with transport to carry attendees to and from the parking.

All in all, it was a memorable event.

Kelvyne M. John

Awesome!!

Sights and sounds from Safaricom Jazz Mombasa:


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Jina Langu ni Stephanie Maseki

December 9, 2015

Your name and what do you do?

My name is Stephanie Maseki
I am a social worker by profession
I am now a full time actor and a producer by virtue of love and passion for theatre with a theatre company called Stan Savannah based in Mombasa.
I am also a 4^th year Psychology student at Nairobi University

What was your first play you produced?

Zuena was my first play to produce and actually write in March 2013. It is an original script on anti drugs. This play received an enormous number of audiences.

How do find the art scene in Mombasa?

Art scene in Mombasa is challenging but its catching up. Art in terms of music has a good hype but theatre is a bit lacking. I don’t want to believe in the nortion about culture having anything to do with it; why? Because once ago in Mombasa people went to the theatres to watch plays.
I want to think that marketing is the biggest challenge we have as an industry. With a good hype, I believe we gonna reach the optimum in terms of an audience reach.
The audience are waiting an wanting, but they have no information.

Artist are under appreciated in Mombasa, do you think this will change?

Yes, this will and can change if artists themselves take their work seriously and present themselves accordingly to the society as professionals.
The artist must take this profession serious so that the audience compliments him/her, not the other way round.
We need to change the mindset of the society and it starts with me and you as an artist.

How do you prepare for a play?

How do I prepare for a play? This is a long one. There are a few steps to be followed:-

Step 1: As an actor first you need to get the script

Step 2: Read the Play Many Time

A deep reading of the play is important. No matter what your role is in a play you must read the script many times. read a play will. When you read a script, read every word. New actors often read only their scenes, and some only read their lines. Others will decide to not read the stage directions. Read the play from beginning to end. And, because it’s a play, it’s not a bad idea to read it aloud.

Step3: Deep Reading

There is a basic three-step process that one can employ. It involves three readings of the play, and it’s designed to help an actor begin to understand their character and how that character fits within the context of the play.

Reading the Play Three Times

First reading is devoted to understanding the plot, getting to know who the characters are, getting a handle on the time, place and action, etc.
Second reading focuses on getting to know EVERYTHING you possibly can about the character you are playing. From the evidence the playwright gives you, create your character in every manner possible.
Third reading consists of reading the play in an attempt to see how your character fits within the entire thematic context and dramatic action of the play. Why is your character in the play and what purpose do they serve?

Step 4: Know Your Lines

Be as ready as you can be to work with your director. Many actors learn a large percentage of their lines before they ever get into rehearsal. You should arrive at rehearsal with a strong understanding and solid knowledge of what you are saying and doing and why.

Step 5: Come Into Rehearsal with Ideas

When you finally start the rehearsal process hopefully you will have a director who has a strong and clear vision of the script and who will be able to work with you and all of the actors in discovering how to bring the play to life. Whether this is the case or not, you should come into rehearsal with ideas for each scene, knowledge of what your character wants overall and in every moment of the play

Step 6: Be Ready to Act

Be ready for anything. When you are in rehearsal you should be ready to act, that is, to work. That means being attentive to your director, focused on the script and the process, and acting and reacting in scenes. When you are not in a scene you should be reviewing staging, learning lines, or trying to discover more about your character. Acting is hard work and it calls for a lot of preparation prior to the start of rehearsals and attentiveness throughout the process. If you are the type of actor who arrives ready to work, you will become a person with whom directors like to work, and that means you will be employed often.

How many plays have you written and produced?

I together with my colleagues have written and produced 9 plays since 2013. These are all original plays, all thematic, educative and purely entertaining!

What would be your dream role, and how do feel you will bring it out?

An actor cannot afford to have a dream role. If you do, you block all other avenues of doing other roles while looking forward to doing that particular role. So what happens when you never get a chance to do you dream role? It dies. So an artist should be open minded and experimental so long as they take up roles that elevate them to another level in their acting career.

Apart from Little theatre club, there is no other theatre in Mombasa. Do you think the county government is doing enough to promote plays and artists?

No it’s not. Unless I don’t know anything about it which is unlikely. These are politicians, I don’t think they understand what art it, I don’t blame them; but if there are offices appointed by the county to carry out the duty of uplifting theatre, then that is the one sleeping on their work.
Mgala muue na haki umpe, a few individuals visit the theatre once in a while but there is no much talk about it for implementation of theatre projects. Maybe we as artists are not enthusiastic about it and that’s why they don’t see the urgency.

What are your future projects people should know about?

Currently I am working on a musical play; it’s the Christmas season, I want to give the audience a test of what Christmas is all about. Love, Thanksgiving and Forgiveness. So yes, The story of Mary and Joseph on the 12^th @7pm and 13^th @4pm Dec, 2015.
February I am working on a piece to bring to light the stigma in the society surrounding Rape. Play: CODE OF SILENCE
A theatre training program as well in April. Our calendar of events will be available during the showing on the 12^th & 13^th

Parting shot

For us to bring back the hype in theatres, I urge the media to support production houses in marketing the plays.I also urge the county government of Mombasa to support the artists by also renovating the theatre to a modern facility. Audience have actually really complained about how old fashioned the place is. I urge the members of the public to come to the theatres;

One: to support art.

Two: to have the exceptional experience they never have when they watch movies on screens. Theatre is a reflection of our society I would say.

Facebook page: Stan Savannah

Email: stansavannah18@gmail.com

Contacts: +254 722 988 353 or +254 722 163 571

Jina langu ni Judith K. Manono

December 2, 2015

Your name and what do you do?
I am Judith K. Manono, a student at the Technical University of Mombasa, am in my final year undertaking Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication.
I am a Photographer, of which it’s a hobby I have taken to the next level of professionalism. I love taking nature pictures as I always feel fulfilled by nature at its best.
What do you like about Mombasa?
I love the culture over here, the culture of dressing among the Swahili people that is from decorations to their Swahili attires.
I also like the ocean view, most of the time when am down and overwhelmed I do go by the shows of the ocean and there I feel relaxed and at ease.
Tell us about your passion for Photography.
I never knew I would ever be into photography at all. It all started when I was based in the Technical University of Mombasa as an intern in the Public Relations Office, It is a necessity to take pictures whenever you sent out of the office to cover any school related event, so taking pictures became part of what I had to do to fulfill my work.So bit by bit I did develop some interest in Photography I would seek more clarity from my supervisor who was always kind and very informative, from him I learnt some basics. I started covering private events and other social forums and I did enjoy every bit. Now my turning point to date is when a friend to the Senator Mombasa County Mr.Mahmoud Noor whom I do appreciate and respect to date Spoke to me about an opening in their office, whereby they needed a photographer, and here I am to date. Since then I have been focusing more on this art of Photography, always taking advantage of any learning opportunity.
In Mombasa, photography is not well received as Nairobi, what could be the reason?
The setting of Mombasa is very different compared to Nairobi whom they are way ahead of us and advanced, This I may say is because Nairobi is a metropolitan town and the people there are more diverse compared to Mombasa.
Here we still catching up in so many things as I may see also from the Music industry where the people still look up to Nairobi artists for growth, other artists may even relocate to Nairobi as they find Mombasa being too slow and unappreciative which is very true, so what I may say is that the People of Mombasa should learn to diversify and accept all sorts of professionalism.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos.
That Photography is interesting and it’s a career if taken with the seriousness it requires to make it in this 21st century.
Whose work has influenced you most?
I love Jordan Matter’s Photograph, he is very creative and artistic, he gets to inspire me daily whenever I get a look at his work, locally I love an I do get influenced by activists Boniface Mwangi’s courageous photography skills.
What are your top places to shoot in Mombasa?
I love nature and my number one place that I have gone and been able to do a photo shoot is Fort Jesus both inside and outside, just love the setting, another wonderful place to take nice shots is Haller Park. Awesome environment. And definitely being blessed to be in Mombasa I love taking pics by the shows of the ocean.
If you had a choice of getting any camera, what would be the ideal camera? I would like to own a 5D Mark 111 with lens range 70-200 mm f1.8. Its highly recommended and I have seen its work though I have never used it before, hope I will.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Being a student doing Mass Communication I have always wished to later on advance in my Public Relations as I wish to venture in the same, I will have a PR firm thereafter. Also I will be having if not a weekly show a monthly National Television show that is there to inspire souls from all walks of life.
And definitely my passion for photography will have grown and expanded, I will have a fully equipped studio for both indoor and outdoor photo shoots and hopefully JKM Photo hub will be a big name.
Parting shot
Despite the life challenges and odds that come our way in this life we should always strive to move ahead That is me encouraging myself daily. Aiming higher. Let no obstacles that my come our way stop us from achieving our best. Let’s live a life of protest to improve our daily livelihoods rather than live a life of despair.

Safaricom Jazz at the Coast

November 30, 2015

Events

The Safaricom International Jazz Festival, one of the country’s biggest music events, is finally here again. This December, Safaricom will not only host the much awaited show in Nairobi, but the Coastal jazz lovers will themselves be getting a treat too in Mombasa. The festival which has been taking place for the past 2 years is Kenya’s premier Jazz exhibition. With big names like Isaiah Katumwa, Jonathan Butler, Salif Keita, Richard Bona, Rhythm Junks, Jimmy Dludlu, The Nile Project and Yuval Cohen, the festival has steadily been garnering a cult following since its inception on the 23^rd of February 2014. The Safaricom International Jazz Festival has come to outgrow the Ngong Racecourse as venue and this December it moves to two big stages, The Carnivore in Lang’ata and The Haller Park Butterfly Pavilion in Mombasa.

The move to hold the festival in Mombasa too is a much anticipated move with the city being home to a lot of art and Jazz enthusiasts. The lifting of the travel ban will also prove to be an advantage as a lot of hotels have reported early bookings for both international and local tourists who will be there around the Christmas period.

But yes, with the numerous venues in Mombasa, what makes the Butterfly Pavilion Safaricom’s choice? Over the years, the Butterfly Pavilion has proven to be a paragon of both serenity and beauty. It is an extension of the Haller Park, a rehabilitation project by Lafarge owned Bamburi Cement and one of Mombasa’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries. The Butterfly Pavilion, formerly known as Bamburi Forest Trails, is lush forest with trails and an assortment of wildlife including butterflies, birds and vegetation. It is home to a number of ecosystems all thriving alongside each other to bring about a harmonic natural balance. The park literally demonstrates just how beautiful environmental conservation can get.

Add all that together and you get an epitome of beauty. A magnificent scenery perfect for the art-enthusiast with refined taste. The park guarantees a magical view from the open space where the festival is supposed to be held. The open spaces are perfect for blankets kind of setting with one huge stage and with revelers bringing their own blankets or vikoi, or a formal arrangement. Simply put, when you combine the beautiful live jazz music with the magical view at the Butterfly Pavilion, you are sure to get lost in a world of colour.

This year, The Safaricom International Jazz festival features four huge international artists who join together as a quartet to give you “A Gospel According to Jazz”. The quartet consisting of highly acclaimed Grammy award winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, Grammy award nominee Gerald Albright and newcomer Shelea Frazier will be the main act. All four artistes have impressive music achievements with all having received international accolades and titles. They will be curtain raised by Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band, and AfroSync who are local jazz sensations.

All proceeds from the Safaricom Jazz Lounge will go towards supporting Ghetto Classics, a music programme based in Korogocho Slums that seeks to provide an opportunity for children from underprivileged backgrounds to explore their musical talents.

Tickets to the Safaricom Jazz Lounge go on sale on Friday 20th November, and will be retailing at Ksh.1,500 for advance tickets, Ksh.2,000 at the gate and Ksh.500 for students. They will be available from select Safaricom outlets (Sarit Centre, Thika Road Mall, Galleria Mall, Junction Mall, BuruBuru, Village Market, I&M and Nakumatt Mega in Nairobi, and Nyali and Rex Shop in Mombasa). To find out more about the festival, go to safaricomjazzfestival.co.ke

The serene Butterfly Pavilion:

Old Town Graffiti

November 26, 2015

Places to Visit

Graffiti is a form of expression.

People use spray paints or marker pens to write and draw on walls or other surfaces, to express their thoughts and messages.

In Mombasa, found these graffiti on the Wall covering Mombasa Club on Sir Mbarak Hinawy road in Kibokoni. The different messages tell a different story , where one can relate to.

Jina Langu ni Omar Abdallah

November 19, 2015