Gregory ‘Cool Ruler’ Isaac’s music will live here

Dj Ras Luigi (Capital FM’s One Love) tells us how as he reflects on the late artist

Gregory Isaacs

For most of us, the ‘passing-on’ of legendary reggae artist Gregory ‘Cool Ruler’ Isaacs early this week came as a shocker. Yes, we heard about the drug addiction, early firearm charges, cancer tena refusing treatment aiiieei!!!, but what was most important, what we could do something about was his music.

Some of the Cool Ruler’s classics were Night Nurse, Rumours, Hard Drugs and Tune-in-kwanza Night Nurse kama hukusikia enyewe una dunia yako.

Dj Ras Luigi of One Love on Capital FM (Sunday 5 p.m. -7 p.m.) reflects on the roots reggae singer.

He mentions that  since he started doing the show (One Love) back in 2004, no show would ever be complete without a song by Gregory Isaacs’ or Don Carlos. “These two artists are the most requested on the show,” he explains.

So, how exactly does his death affect him as a DJ?

“Well, a hero has left us but the most important thing is that his music (and spirit) will live. But let me tell you, as long as I am a Dj, my mixes will never be complete without his songs,” he swears.

This Sunday (31-10-2010) is going to be a Gregory Isaacs Special. “I’m going to play 20 minutes of his music non-stop. The Cool Ruler’s fans will never forget this show,” he promises. Having so many albums to his name, its possible to play him for like three hours non-stop.

Dj Ras Luigi-One Love

Luigi says he was ‘born’ listening to Gregory. “What I love about his music is that its ‘real’-at that time as it is today. He was one of a kind,” he adds.

The DJ recalls watching the ‘Cool Ruler’ perform live for the first time when he came to Kenya in early 2000. And he’s sad that he will never have another chance of watching him perform live again.

On being a ‘Cool Ruler’, Luigi believes the name came about because of his music (and voice) ability to change the atmosphere. “His music cooled people down and strongly impacted society. He was all about love,” he recalls.

A reggae artist himself, Ras Luigi advises young (upcoming) reggae artists to listen to his music as they grow. “When you listen to him, you realize that reggae is not just putting lyrics together, its more than that,” he concludes.

R.I.P. Cool Ruler

 

 

Morning glories, live matches and plays to tickle

This is how my weekend went

Awesome Night, Morning Glory

Friday evening. Was supposed to meet up Casey and go dancing. For some reason, I end up spending a laid-back evening at home, prepared a vegan meal ‘spiked’ with all things super and lethal, a very cool charming person; all the while sampling Stan’s Kenya Debut Album. The night was awesome, morning glory even better.

My first live match

Satuarday 4 p.m. Went to watch the Kenya (Harambee Stars) vs Uganda (Uganda Cranes) game at the Nyayo National Stadium with my gal pal. The queue was so long, we had to use our feminine charm. We ‘cut’ the line and when some people noticed, they were like, ‘Let them pass, they are just kids…’  Suprising because anyone else who was ‘cutting’ the line was being subjected to abuse by both the crowd and security at the gate. Makes sense though, my pal and I are like barely 5′ 1′, we are in our mid twenties but we do pass for high school kids.

A bunch of these four caucasians were however not so lucky. They came straight to the front to ‘cut’ the line (after bribing security) and were booed, abused and pushed around by the crowd. There was such a fiasco as everyone tried to ensure they did not get in. One of the very outspoken women was even secretly asked to shut up and she would also be let in first. She declined. I later heard that plenty of people were not able to get into the stadium and that the tickets had been sold out.

“No water bottles allowed,’ we were informed after the ticket check. So there everyone was trying to finish up their water, soda etc. For some reason, I was let in with my water bottle, my pal, who had a soda bottle wasn’t. Could it be that there’s a high possibility of people using water bottles as weapons?

Just like live music, I really enjoyed this live match. I liked the energy, especially the crowds’ >mwanzo the famous ‘wave’, and how in unison) everyone demanded for some players to play like Blackberry Odhiambo, the groundnuts kids were selling and the soccer skills some of the kids were displaying at half-time.  As for the game, I’m still very disappointed there were NO goals to write home about.

A play to laugh at myself

Sunday 3 p.m. Play at Alliance Francaise. 10 Kenyan Commandments. Promulgation reloaded.

Was once again with my gal pal. Churchill (Dan Ndambuki) and his team are just the ones! Each of those scenes were very typically Kenyan. We loved how the cast just changed on stage (dimmed lights of course). And did I mention how hilarious the narrator was. Loved how he unleashed his ‘Luo’ dance moves on stage.

A scene that caught me off guard n’ I totally loved this: The setting is a certain government office. The civil servants are huko stressing out the people as they waited to be served. One woman had had enough and she just snapped (Translated), ‘Do you think you are the only one’s who can go/act mad?’ She proceeded to demand for what she wanted and got it-leaving everyone at the scene silenced and shocked.

Every single scene did hit a chord and true; we Kenyans laugh that hard when watching such local productions because we are laughing at ourselves, because we have found ourselves in those situations.

BATTLES OF MY SOUL

BATTLES OF MY SOUL

By Eudiah Kamonjo

He speaks to me in silences that burn and stab my spirit

I battle with his mystic and crash under his revelations

I starve everyday. Waiting, longing for answers, fulfillments, A sign

I kill myself because he has snubbed me

And left me on my knees seeking his divine face

He has deserted me in this hell of a spa called life

I burn myself in heated moments of lust in the sauna

And surround myself with kings in high heels and whips

Queens with deep voices, packing plastic between their legs

Because I have fallen short of the glory

I have walked myself to accident-prone areas in stormy nights

Traveled to unknown places with no TV’s and generators that cough

Hoping to inhale eternal peace through the silent breezes

When the moon is right and couples

Facing bent-over entangled in the oceans’ dark salt

They say silence be the enemy

Yet I get my answers

When I listen

Those I have already died for

Time and time and time again

Light another candle and you lose nothing

No wonder they say that a candle loses nothing of its light by lighting another candle.

Last evening, I had a meeting with my mentor. In this regard, a mentor (to me) is someone you can just talk and share with, ask questions or get his/her opinions on a certain or variety of topics.

One of my friends thinks that having a mentor is total BS! that she has never had to talk or share or ask anybody’s opinion and has so far been successful in life. Maybe its the title ‘mentor’ that doesn’t hit the right cord. Maybe a mentor (according to her) is someone who is above you. Hell NO! For me, a mentor is your equal.

He/she could have more experience in one area and you could have more in another area. It is therefore ‘an everybody gains’ situation.

A mentorship relationship doesn’t have to be as formal as people assume. It can be as informal as the way you advise your siblings or the way you can call that one person when you need their take on something you are working on. And it comes at no cost either because even the mentor is learning a hell of a lot through sharing.

Yesterday, we (my mentor and I) just shared a meal as we talked about journalism, kids, God, marriage, writing and being Africans among other issues. And it wasn’t just one person talking, it was all of us and it was hearty, inspiring and spiritual.

I must admit that I did not agree with one or two of the things that my mentor said.

Still, the few times we meet make a huge difference in my life and I thank God that I found (early in life) someone I could share almost all aspects of my life with.

Once you’ve been mentored as easily, you’ll find yourself doing the same for others.

Wadogo Fire-October Fest 2008 Moshi, Tanzania

 

Wadogo Fire and I at the October Fest 2008 in Moshi, Tanzania

It has been such a long time since I was last in Tanzania. Thing is, some good memories keep coming back to me and me can’t wait to go back and visit again. I spent most of my time in Arusha with one Sheila Mohammed and Warriors from the East (a band based in Arusha, Tanzania). 

I heard about the very first October Fest while I was there and decided to travel with the band for the two day event in Moshi. 

Wadogo Fire-a group of under 18 Swahili hip-hop artists were also in the entourage and were set to perform at the event. 

After watching them perform and freestyle (later on). I just had to get their story (first published on haiya.co.ke).

Today, guess what I found? A picture of me with them.

Pausing came easy for them.

One way to do a sex poem

I too like to eat out

For many people (me included) doing a sex poem is not that easy-(By a sex poem I mean, a poem about a sexual experience). This is coz you’d like to do it in a way that’s clear  enough to pass the message across without being too graphic.

To tackle this, poets over the years have used the food metaphor-(comparing sex to food) and this works amazingly well. What method do you use in yours?

Here’s a piece I bumped into (from Pieces of My Heart by  Makeda Silvera) and continue loving and learning from. I love the fact that it’s sensual n’ sweet, and clearly passes the message across-she likes it!

NB: It is written by a woman.

I too like to eat out

By Laura Irene Wayne

I too like to eat

To eat out

I like to eat among the brown, black brush

Pushing, parting, letting

My tongue graze amongst the dew

Searching, touching, tasting

The honey of the flower

I too like to eat out

To eat out

Massaging its petals into

Splendid form

Watching its growth harden

Flourish

Watering, eating to fill my insatiable appetite

Reading and drinking its sweet wine

Filling up on arousal, excitement

I too like to eat out

To eat out

I relish

Knowing my hunger will

Arise again

And I will find myself

Among the brush

I too like to eat

To eat out

Watching Motivational DVDs at Work-Never Eat Alone

It was ‘Never Eat Alone’ by Keith Ferrazzi

It is very rare to find people watching DVDs in an office (unless it’s a media company). The organization that I joined gets together after Monday weekly meetings to watch motivational DVD’s. I like this very much.

The first one I watched here was ‘Never Eat Alone’ by Keith Ferrazzi. This DVD is based on a book he co-authored ‘Never Eat Alone and other secrets to success, one relationship at a time.’

The book apparently discusses the need for networking and human relationships for success in today’s world. Watching this DVD made me realize why Keith is recognized the world over as an expert on relationship development. He has also been named one of the world’s most connected individual. Really?

Now C.E.O. of Ferrazzi Greenlight, Keith has come all the way from being a Chief Marketing Officer at Deloitte Consulting. He also made a name as the youngest Chief Marketing Officer with a Fortune 500 company when he worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide before being recruited as Chief Executive Officer for Ya Ya media, an interactive entertainment consultancy before it was sold to Yahoo!

Back to the DVD. Here he talks about the importance of achieving your dream, understanding your audience (by asking questions), being yourself/genuine. He also believes that sharing and transparency, frees you because

 a) You are no longer controlled

b) People have empathy

He then goes ahead to explain the seven stage process to achieving success-beginning with ‘Focusing’. He (like me) believes that life conspires to have opportunities ready for you. He advises us to set the top three things we want and where you want to be in 60 days, three years, ten years.

Set targets. For example, make a list of 125 most important people for your success. Ask yourself “Who are the people I need to surround myself with?” These include spouses, family, friends and especially yourself. You also need to define what you have to offer the world. What services or products are you selling?

“You need to believe in your product and remember 50% is you, so believe in yourself,” he offers.

Aligning your goals is also necessary. Tell the people who surround you about what you want. As for the bonding process-establish real relationships that last, avoid small talk and go deep when you first reach out to someone.

Keith brings up the issue of belonging to a club. Get together with at least five people because for behaviour or lifestyle change, you really cannot do this alone. Plan dinner parties or share passions like jogging. Simply use things you are already doing to bring you together. This will allow people who care about you to help you.

Here, he also talks about how (also included in his book) he met Richard Branson. He would tell people around him how much he wanted to meet this man and how eventually when he did meet him, Branson had already received and read his book.

“As you run around trying to make other people successful, there are 100 other people trying to make you successful,” That’s the way it should be, he advises.

This DVD was very enlightening-especially on the art of networking and (from his presentation) there were lessons on how to be a great speaker. (necessary for Eudiah the performing poet).

I think that besides reading more on Keith’s website, I will try and get his book, ‘Never Eat Alone’ and his most recent ‘Who’s got your back?’

Some people I’ve talked to don’t like reading motivational or self-help books because they say ‘These books tell us stuff we already know.” Could be so, but then don’t they also bring out issues that we might have ignored or thought unnecessary? But for life enthusiasts, young entrepreneurs and ardent readers, every new book has something to teach us-even a new word or a new point of view is good enough.

Dis Poem: This is the poem I am loving right now.

Dis Poem By  Mutabaruka

Dis poem
shall speak of the wretched
sea
that washed ships to these
shores
of mothers cryin for their
young
swallowed up by the sea

Dis poem shall say nothin
new
dis poem shall speak of time
time unlimited time
undefined
dis poem shall call names
names like Lumumba
Kenyatta, Nkrumah
Hannibal, Akenaton,

Malcolm, Garvey
Haile Selassie

Dis poem is vexed about
apartheid rascism fascism
the klu klux klan riots in
Brixto, Atlanta
Jim Jones
Dis poem is revoltin’ against
1st world 2nd world

3rd world division

Man made
decision
dis poem is like all the rest
dis poem will not be amongst
great literary works
will not be recited by poetry
enthusiasts
will not be quoted by
politicians nor men of
religion

Dis poem  knives, bombs, guns
blood, fire
blazin for freedom

Yes dis poem is a drum
Ashanti, Mau Mau, Ibo, Yoruba
Nyahbingi warriors
uhuru uhuru
uhuru Namibia
uhuru Soweto
uhuru Afrika

Dis poem will not change
things
dis poem need not to be changed
dis poem is a rebirth of a
people
arizin awaking
understandin
dis poem speak is speakin
have spoken

Dis poem shall continue even
when poets have stopped
writin
dis poem shall survive u me
it shall linger in history
in your mind
in time forever
dis poem is time only time
will tell
dis poem is still not written
dis poem has no poet
dis poem is just a part of the
story
his-story her-story our-
story the story still untold
dis poem is now ringin talkin
irritatin
makin u want to stop it
but dis poem will not stop

Dis poem is long cannot be
short
dis poem cannot be tamed
cannot be blamed
the story is still not told
about dis poem
dis poem is old new
dis poem was copied from
the bible, your prayer book
Playboy Magazine

The N.Y. Times, Readers Digest
The C.I.A. files the K.G.B. files
dis poem is no secret
dis poem shall be called
boring stupid senseless
dis poem is watchin u

Tryin
to make sense from dis poem
dis poem is messin up your
brains
makin u want to stop
listenin to dis poem
but u shall not stop listenin
to dis poem
u need to know what will be
said next in dis poem
dis poem shall disappoint u
because
dis poem is to be continued
in your mind in your mind
in your mind your mind…

Of Passion parties, grinding and all

25^th Feb 2010. It’s a Satuarday.

Day well spent hanging out with the girls watching girly programs like Ellen de Generes show and talking about boys, girls, clothes and parties-but especially boys.

9pm, I end up in a party in Kileleshwa, being hosted by the International Hotel and Tourism Institute, of which Ruth Karu, a long time friend,  is the event organizer. She’s one of those ‘mamas’ you want to be around 24-7 because of her contagious happiness ( LOL smiley face). She sparkles like a ray of light, seductively inviting you to taste her waters. Ha ha ha!!!!

Got welcomed into the party with a glass of punch-very fresh punch with passion fruits floating around in it but with the strong scent of vodka. Two of these and I was in a happy zone. Was taking photos too and both the guys and chics were very photogenic, plus all dressed-up for the occasion. The occasion? I later learnt that it was to welcome new students-imagine such a welcome.

Watching guys grinding/dirty dancing was a very interesting way of entertaining myself, but still..I think I like being part of the action too.

Soon, I had switched on to drinking wine and was so mellow, I joined the rest on the dance floor-dancing and feeling like one of them college girls-forgetting I was much older. I loved them college days. (Listen to I love college by Asher Roth).

I remember this guy I was dancing with who was wearing a white trouser. How I couldn’t believe straight guys could shake their asses like that! Auuuwiii!

I got to meet incredible people-even a former childhood neighbour, the principal, Mr. Ngali, Hilda Tuwei (very hot Vice Chairlady in a chocolate-coloured dress and heels to kill) and the Chairlady Redemptor Ogada.

I also got to witness the dancing competition (of which the guy in a white trouser won). I think aliwin chupa ya vodoski. The best dressed chic totally deserved it and so did the best couple (if they really were a couple-sweet).

I did not know that all these was the beginning of a very long night and day), a night that included going down to a recording studio, being incredibly ‘necked’ by some ‘chute’, getting down to some hip hop n old school and watching the sun rise somewhere in Loresho.

partying

A most interesting excerpt: ‘The story of the pencil’

The Story of the Pencil-From the book ‘Like the flowing river’ (thoughts and reflections)’ by Paulo Coelho.

I’d love to share this short brilliant piece found within its pages.

The story of the pencil

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. at one point, he asked:

‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’

His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to to her grandson;

‘I am writing about you, actually, but more important than words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. it didn’t seem very special.

‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on to them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.

‘First quality; You are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guidng your steps.We call that hand God, and he always guides us according to his will.

‘Second quality, now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. that makes the pencil suffer a little but afterwards, he’s much sharper. so you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.

‘Third quality; the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. this means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.

‘Fourth quality; what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. so always pay attention to what is happening inside you.

‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality; it always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action.’