AKON LIVE IN KENYA

After many years of planning, Akon is finally coming to Kenya. Akon is brought to you by Spartan Group and concert will take place on the evening of Saturday 27th and afternoon of 28th of October, both concerts at Carnivore Grounds. The Saturday night concert will be for grown-ups while the Sunday afternoon the Family concert will be for all ages.

AKON LIVE IN KENYA
Opening acts will be Juliani, Bamboo and Stella Mwangi

The evening of 

SATURDAY 27th October 2012

Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi

Ksh: 2,500/- Main Arena
VIP: 5000/-
Family Concert on 28th: 2,500/- 

ALL ADVANCE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT CARNIVORE & TAMARIND IN TOWN

 AKON PROMO

Akon In Kenya Event Page

WIN! A TICKET

By Simply answering this question.

Before Akon blew up, he first appeared on a song with a famous group.

What was the song, group and album?

RULES: To win this ticket, You must register yourself on this blog and then successfully answer the question.

The winners shall be announced be announced on this blog 12 hours before the concert.

MARLEY PREMIERES IN KENYA

Bob Marley is an international icon one of the greatest musicians to ever live on the planet earth. After Michael Jackson and Obama his image is one of most popular black faces in the world. He inspired many people differently, - musically, culturally, historically and politically . Even though many didn’t know him personally, his story is one of challenge, tribulation and victory.   Here comes some of the most revealing and personal films about the life of this iconic legend Marley. The film was directed by Kevin Macdonald who also directed Last King of Scotland. It has received critical acclaim all over the word and grossed over USD 1 million in USA. For the first time in a cinema in Africa; Marley will play in Nairobi at Star Flix Cinemas starting September 2012. Keep it here for dates of Premier. Marley - The Film

MARLEY

A Film By Kevin Macdonald

Coming to Nairobi September 7th 2012
9pm

Star Flix Cinema

Prestige Plaza, Nairobi 


I'm giving out a Free Tickets for the Premiere if you can answer at least 2 of the the following questions. All questions must be answered on this blog.

What is Tuff Gong?   

What does the name Tuff Gong mean?  

Where did the name originate from?

After answering, keep checking the blog for who wins the tickets. 

BEYOND THE MUSIC: A TALK BY JULIANI & IAN KAMAU

BEYOND THE MUSIC

  

A great musician is not just one who sings but one whose work affects people beyond the speakers and headphones.  Here are two musicians involved with their community one from Nairobi - Kenya and the other from Toronto - Canada. Two different places but the same passion for life. In Kenya, rapper Juliani is known not only for his popular songs but for his love for his community. He was raised on the community moved called Ukoo Flani Mau Mau and even as he went solo he has demonstrated a strong community leaning with his movement KAMA SI SISI (If Its Not Done by Us Who Else Will?). This is an attitude change campaign towards the youth to be responsible and accountable to themselves, community, and their surrounding make it better than they found it; Politically, Economically, Socially and Spiritually. Take care of yourself by taking care of others."

  

Ian Kamau is a social activist and you can hear it in his music but he goes beyond that. His love for his community sees him very concerned about the way his government and local authorities treat the issues of crime in Toronto. He is vocal in the treatment of young people of color in his community and passionate about using hip hop to uplift.  “My creative life extends to my work in community development, specifically with arts-based projects for young people. From painting murals in downtown neighborhoods in Toronto, to volunteering with youth hip hop projects in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Nairobi to working with the Royal Conservatory of Music. That side of my life has always run parallel to my artistic life and reminds me of the importance of expression, inspiration and opportunity,” say Ian Kamau. See more of his thoughts here: IAN KAMAU

 Tonight 8th August at Pawa 254 Hub on State House Crescent Nairobi Kenya, which is the base of rapper Juliani, he hosts Canadian MC Ian Kamau for a talk open to the public to talk about Beyond the Music. Tha talk begins at 4.30pm and ends at 7pm. Come join us as we give you knowledge of what it means. 

 

DIRECTIONS: Map To Pawa 254 Hub

BEYOND THE MUSIC ON FACEBOOK

TUMI LIVE IN KENYA

About six years ago I attended the Global Hip Summit at Baseline, Newtown, South Africa and in the mix was the biggest names in the industry internationally from Knaan, Guru and Zulu Boy just to name a few. In that same summit, I made one of the most important discoveries of my African hip hop research; I met one of Africa’s dopest MCs; Tumi from the group Tumi and The Volume. At the time, I had not witnessed an African MC so lyrically fierce that he could outdo any international MC out there. When I got to listening to his album Music from my Good Eye I was blown away. Tumi makes amazing music for the thinking Africa, the reasonable human. His lyrical wizardry is reminiscent of The Roots’ early days and he prefers music with live instruments; a highly admirable trait.

That aside Tumi is not your average MC he definitely has something to say, he has that African passion to uplift you while he enlightens you. A son of a South African political exile – Tumi was born in Tanzania to return to South Africa after the end of apartheid, his thought is musically universal. He is no doubt international no wonder Tumi spends most of his time on tour in North America and Europe than the African continent. This MC is a musical beast never to be slept on. His whole point of view and artistry is unrivalled by any other African hip hop artist yet. His genius is totally underrated in Africa so I made it my own vocation to have Tumi play in home city of Nairobi one day. Faced with the regular African boundaries setback, I battled on. But as our ancestors once said – “Where there is a will there is a way’.

Six years later with loads of patience, Tumi is finally in Nairobi. He will be gracing the stage at the international festival Blankets and Wine on Sunday August 5th at Leisure Gardens, Mamba Village, Karen. This will definitely be a hip hop lover’s heaven he will be mashing it up with the Kenyan band Yunasi and also on stage will be the international Sauti Sol and Michel Ongaro. You can’t miss this.

More Blankets and Wine Details 

BlanketsandWine

Buy Tickets

TUSKER ALL STARS CONCERT ROCKED

By Buddha Blaze Pictures Courtesy of IMG Media

EVE ROCKS THE CROWD


After all the fun and action at the end of the week, the day arrived, it was Saturday 1st October; thousands of music lovers were going in one direction towards the south of Nairobi, specifically on Langata Road headed to Carnivore Grounds for the Tusker All Stars Concert, The main purpose was enjoying the music of Shaggy, Eve, Cabo Snoop, Alpha, Msechu and Davies.

ALPHA DEEP IN HIS ELEMENT


The Tusker All Stars came out first in the order of Msechu from Tanzania whose bulky frame and thoughtful choice of songs endears him to his fans. The next entertainer was the passionate Rwandese Alpha who gave his best but it was the Davies that really entertained the concerts with his unique dance styles making his performances very loveable. He held it for Uganda well.

DAVIES ROCKING IT


Next on stage was the kuduro dance sensation Angolan star Cabo Snoop who many were awaiting to learn his unique leg work. Dressed in his signature skinnies, he didn’t waste time, he got right into it with ‘Prakatatumba’, then his major hit ‘Windek’ that got the crowd roaring and rushing toward him and turning his set into a got so energetic Cabo dance competition.

CABO SNOOP TEACHES A FAN THE KUDURO


On stage next was the immaculate Ruff Ryders hip-hop queen Eve who came on the stage rocking a white t-shirt and black tight pants looking sexy as ever. This is a baddazz hip hop chick and a veteran who kept it gangsta giving love to the hustler brothers in the house. Her set was hard very reminiscent of the golden era of hip hop using hard backgrounds such as MOPs ‘Ante UP’ and a lot Ruff Ryder anthems. She kept it real on that stage and was a pleasure to see live.

HIP HOP QUEEN EVE


People braved the rain to see their reggae star - Shaggy who got on with Rayvon and went through many of his songs ‘Mr Bombastic’, ‘It Wasn’t Me’ among many and even introduced his new track – ‘Sugarcane’. Shaggy is a top class performer; however many times you see him, he never disappoints. Surprisingly, he brought Morgan Heritage on stage. The crowd left satisfied.

SHAGGY NEVER DISAPPOINTS

MR.BOOMBASTIC

THE CROWD LOVES SHAGGY


To find out more go to: http://www.facebook.com/SparkAfrica

EVE, SHAGGY AND CABO HANGING IN KENYA

By Buddha Blaze Pictures Courtesy of IMG Media


Eve kicking it in Kenya with Shaggy

The exciting weekend of September 30th was fun filled in the city of Nairobi as stars trickled in for the big Tusker All Stars Concert set to happen on October 1st at the Carnivore. Fans from all over were quite elated to know that some of their favorite music stars were hanging out in their town. There was pandemonium at the airport, hotels, clubs, malls and everywhere they went.



The Stars Hangin out in Kenya

They slowly trickled in one by one; first it was the Angolan star Cabo Snoop who was so happy to visit Kenya for the first time. Next was Jamaican reggae star Shaggy who has been to Kenya so many times he knows people and the streets by name he is suspected to have a Kenyan cell number. Hip hop diva Eve landed in later welcomed by celebration and camaraderie.

They quickly embarked on getting to know the Tusker All Stars Ugandan Davies, Tanzanian Msechu and Rwandese Alpha exchanged a lot of music and talked about industry experiences. They went out hanging out in Kenyan clubs visiting different venues enjoying Kenyan food and hospitality and culture. There was a lot of love, music, laughter, fun, embrace and style in the air.



Cabo planting a tree.

The jovial musicians then embarked on the first leg of their tour which was environmental conservation by teaming up with the EABL team and visiting the infamous Karura Forest which was saved by the late Wangari Maathai (RIP). The artists were elated to be involved in the experience in a country known for having an international tree planting hero. They loved it.



Alpha gets down and dirty.

To find out more go to: http://www.facebook.com/SparkAfrica

RAPPER EVE TO SET NAIROBI ON FIRE

By Buddha Blaze Pictures Courtesy of IMG Media

One of hip hop’s finest female rappers Eve formerly the first lady of Ruff Ryders Records is on her way to Kenya to perform at the Tusker All Stars Concert on Saturday 1st October at Carnivore in what is dubbed to be the biggest party on Kenyan soil this year. And yes it is indeed because it’s a dream come true for many hip hop lovers that have loved her music since she dropped on the scene in 99. Known for her witty rhymes, she was known to fans as the cutest chick in the game, adored for her for her sexy lips and thick curves. She will be in Nairobi and she will be joined on stage by Shaggy, Cabo Snoop (Angola), Alpha, Davis and Msechu.

It will be this Philly born and bred rapper’s first time to visit this side of the world as she comes in from an Australian tour. Eve is not just another female rapper with a pretty face; she has enough rap skills to earn her enough top respect and to work with some of the top names in the hip hop game including The Roots, on ‘You Got Me’, and ‘Ain’t Saying Nothing New’. She then became the Ruff Ryders Records female top MC doing songs with DMX, The LOX, Swizz Beats, Dr.Dre, R Kelly and many top artists. Her song ‘Who’s That Girl’ is her signature style and simply one of her most popular ones. She has sold lots of records, done film and now is a fashion icon.

Shaggy is one of the most popular reggae artists in the world having sold over 20 million records that’s more than Bob Marley sold. He is a mega star and has been to Africa severally – in Kenya he is part of the citizenry. His hit single ‘Wasn’t Me’ is a major tune in these parts. He is very familiar with Kenya and he is always a great act who never fails to deliver. He gets to Nairobi next week from his tour of Asia. Cabo Snoop is the Angolan new kid on the block, singing in Portuguese; his dance music has defied the language barrier. His hit ‘Windeck’ is played everywhere from clubs to bars. Fans look forward to dancing with him on Saturday 1st.

The party is for the winners of Tusker Project Fame a music competition that was held by Tusker Lager last few months. The winners:- Davis (Uganda), Msechu (Tanzania) and Alpha (Rwanda) will also join the other stars on stage for what is the most awaited concert in Nairobi is this year. It’s bound to be a great time in Nairobi lots of music, culture, fun and Kenya's best beer - Tusker. Tusker is definitely Kenya’s most loved beer brewed by the best brewers in Africa – East African Breweries. So at 2pm on the first of October get your beer mugs and be there to witness some hip hop action at Carnivore. Ticket prices are Ksh. 3,500 for Golden Circle and Ksh.1,500 regular. For more go to: http://www.facebook.com/sparkafrica