Smack in the middle of Kikuyu town, next to residential and commercial properties, opposite a magnificent Mugumo tree that has survived years and years of urbanization, lies a hidden gem. A hub where any and all artists and creatives can go and feel right at home. They call it 902 Street. It was the perfect venue for our first ever Writer's Open Mic event. At the rooftop.
The set up for the event was nothing short of breathtaking, the guys at 902 made sure of it! The palette podium, the overall decor and paintings (most of them for sale) and the bales of kanga covered hay to sit on. Bedazzling! We were pleased.
It had been raining I should add. The previous night and most of the morning. The 902 Street rooftop was flooded. We had to use brooms and brushes to sweep the water away early in the morning, before set up and then pray to the gods of the skies to hold the rains for just that day. The gods listened!
Our host was comedian Maina Murumba. A natural! For someone that funny, it was ironical how seriously he took this job. A professional. His deadpan and dark humor style comedy kept everyone entertained and engaged. Him and the cheap wine that was going round helped us loosen up and really have fun, which is what Karugano Nyenda is about; doing what you love, surrounded by your tribe and having a lot of fun while at it!
Ofcourse music is an integral part of any successful event. Ours was provided by the Ashiti Jazz band. Incredible band, they did covers and original songs, gave all of us goosebumps and made our spirits soar in the way only good music can. Their lead singer, an amazing songstress with a personality to match, made sure we croaked to our heart's content.
Then came the reason for the season, well, event. The authors, the writers, the poets and the literary arts enthusiasts.
Charles Chanchori, author of ZOO and Hello mother, his new book that he was actually launching on that day, at Karugano Nyenda. It was truly an honor. The book, Hello Mother, is about Toma, who was abandoned by his mother at a young age, he writes her a series of letters hoping that one of them will bring her back. Charles read to us some letters and had us yearning for more. He's ingenious. (If you'd like details on how to get any of his books, go to our Facebook page 'Karugano Nyenda', It's all there)
Brian Mbanacho, author of After The Storm. He read to us some of his work. A hilarious tale of a husband cheating on his beautiful wife with a woman he described as "kingitai", a chicken with a featherless neck. He also spoke about his book and how to get it. (Again, full details on our Facebook page)
Munira Hussein came next. Author of 'Unfit for Society', an anthology of short stories and the recently released 'A Curve of Darkness' a collection of poems. When she writes, it's like she's pouring from her heart of hearts. Someone described her poetry as the most heartwarming, when it's not being the most heartbreaking. She took to the stage and gave all of us feelings of beautiful melancholy with some of her poems.
Griffins the word beast. The most passionate poet. Griffins is the kind of performer than can best be described as 'a tough act to follow'. Griffins gives it 110%, he sweats when he performs for God's sake. Griffins is truly as he describes himself, a beast!
Then there were all the other amazing writers and poets, Don of donslines.blogspot.com, Mumbi, writer at shoutmate.co.ke, Karanja wa Ngugi of tarzatian.wordpress.com and Debbie, an amazing poet.
It was truly an a great Saturday, spent with the most talented people. There was a QnA when all the acts were done, discussing issues of self publishing vs traditional publishing in publishing houses, book content and target audience, writing for money or for passion, among others. Truly educative and engaging. There were editors there too. Like Mo Nyarinda (Facebook handle), who also gave us insights from an editor's perspective.
The next one will be bigger and better, mark my word. You better be there! Dates to be communicated in due time.
Check out our gallery page for more Karugano Nyenda Writer's open Mic event pictures.