Report From Red Line Disco On Saturday
When I arrived at the Red Line Disco in preparation for the “First Ever Kenya Video Mix Boogie” with VJ Delph in the cockpit, the atmosphere was already Party-like. The clientele was a mix of Kenyans, Swedes and other foreigners. On the two giant screens where action was expected was a message urging revelers to prepare for the big night.
VJ Delph in action
Kenyans were grouped around tables scattered in the disco hall. In some tables, it was easy to detect a “Kenyan network” while in others, the groupings indicated no special attachments. I quickly squeezed myself at a strategic corner around a table where some Kenyans were already doing their thing. The music was loud and it was difficult to maintain a normal conversation without shouting so I tried to spare my voice as much as possible.
Some hunters arrived single while others swung in holding hands and bubbling with expectation of real fun. As usual, Kenyans did not take any chances with the dressing code and some ladies even went further and ensured that they were in red to transmit the “Valentine spirit” which appeared to work because there was no shortage of men trying to pull them on to the dance floor. There were more men than women, an indication that the girl-species is on high demand in Kenya-Stockholm. In swahili, we say that there is Ukamwe.
Within the human mix, there were Kenyans who came with their wives and others with their girlfriends. Some married men left their women at home for reasons beyond KSB inquiry. Some males who had signed “life-time contracts” with their women by entering into the “marriage cage” occasionally jumped on the dance floor with other ladies although a reasonable distance was kept in the process of activities on the floor. You could easily “pass through” the space in between without problems even if you have weight problems. As their men took a break with alternative babes shaking on stuff, the wives watched events keenly from their vantage points.
It was like the men were very conscious that they were being watched by their ribs because they stayed away from the hand-holding moves or the attachment of one hand on the waist and another on the shoulders during those “dangerous swings” that could end up with the boobs scratching the chest and encouraging an even closer contact as bodies moved in unison.
When the situation appeared to have been getting out of hand for one guy who appeared to have forgotten that he was being watched, the rib just walked on the dance floor and pulled him off a babe with the force of a powerful tractor. I saw the babe point a finger on the face of the “offending babe” but as I moved closer expecting more spectacle, the guy was tip-toed towards the entrance and the couple left the scene. Interestingly, not many people noticed the drama because it happened in a split of a second while there was enough “darkness” to provide cover.
It has been long since Kenyans attended a disco in such a large number. From the human mix, it was possible to gather some latest hot news. A long standing bachelor appears to have hit the jack-pot although it was impossible to tell how deep he had penetrated into the babe’s mind just by watching them dance on the floor. What was clear was that once the couple finished their moves on the floor, they would both retire back to their table, leaving no chance of extra and dangerous plays with other opportunists who might have been on a hunting mission at the disco.
Tonny Nyadundo
A brave bachelor actually told me that it was the first time he was taking his new find out on a Kenyan disco after hiding her for a long time because he was still brain washing her into getting into his system of doing things. After some weeks of good work, he was now courageous enough to expose her to Wakenya and one did not have to ask a lot of questions because the bachelor is very experienced and he has a way of telling other predators to keep off his latest catch.
He was clearly doing the buying thereby sending signals as to who was in charge of the cargo which was, nevertheless, wrapped in exotic material that brought out her shape as she swung to download some of the stuff (in the Lady’s) that was costing her rib-to-be some good quid because Red Line is not Vasa where you can walk in with 100 Crowns and leave in a stagger.
We did not wait for long before the Video mixers hit the twin screens with what appeared to have been a well choreographed “opening session” that was well designed to introduce the moments in a big way. There was no mistake that it was the first time Kenyans in Stockholm were experiencing Video mixing on the dance floor by a Kenyan VJ because there was enough text on the screen to convey the message.
Suddenly, attention was focused on the screen as VJ Delph began a systematic trip into the world of Kenya VJeying as he knew it assisted by DJ Frank and DJ Safi, the Mixologist who has been mixing the mixes as Kenyans mixed with foreigners in mixed disco sessions in our great Stockholm, mixed with all kinds of people.
Another conspicuous observation was the technology that was on display and that facilitated the process. When I zoomed around the VJ’s table, it looked more like the cock-pit of Kenya Airways cruising to Kenya than some disco equipment at redline disco. What remains to be seen is whether VJ Delph effectively introduced his Stockholm colleagues to the art and whether DJ Frank and DJ Safi will soon mutate into VJs who will be able to give Kenyans a run for their hard-earned cash.
There was some worries in the beginning when the scene tended to mimic MTV but as the night deepened, the situation began to change to an extent that at some point in time, Tonny Nyadundo found himself on screen with his famous Obama hits. Another interesting thing about the VJ session is that you can never get bored because if the dancers are not pleasing the eyes, one could switch to the screen for a change.
Disco spinners are known to be slightly ahead of the dancers when it comes to music collection and with VJeying now in Stockhy, it will probably be possible to zoom in and spy on some latest collections from Kenya for the development of the home archive, a good motivation for attending Disco in Stockholm. We hope that both Safi and Frank will live up to the expectations. After introducing Kenyans to VJeying, Djeying will be like taking people back to stone age when technology is advancing!
Will Sound of Blackness Go Virtual?
Party lovers in action
There was maximum security with over six guards on duty and there was no way of taking chances with a fight. Nevertheless, some little fracas did erupt after the disco and outside the hall long after the disco was over. A man and a woman began to exchange words which ended badly when the woman was floored and now, we have learnt that the matter is a police case. The beat will soon be an attraction at KSB.
In another instance, police with sniffer dogs invaded the disco and managed to nab a drug peddler who appears to have come to the place to do business. One funny incident is that a guard, who was very provocative, threw a guy out claiming that he was sleeping. At the time he was chucked out, the guy was on his feet and discussing with another Kenyan how the Coalition government in Kenya could be overthrown. It was bizarre to say the least.
Despite the minor hitches, the event was a huge success and Sound of Blackness demonstrated to revelers and fun lovers alike that it is a very serious group in the world of entertainment. The VJeying was both a good innovation and an investment to increase interest in Kenyan disco sessions.
Now that Vjeying is here, much will depend on whether Sound of blackness will go virtual and whether they will move another extra mile to begin bringing the big names in Kenya to rejuvenate the Kenya-Stockholm community which has been yearning for both action and a change of tune in the ways Kenya-Stockholm entertainment is presented. It was a night that was worth more than 100 kr and very few Kenyans will complain.
Okoth Osewe
Moving Email From Awuonda’s Son
This is never an easy situation to declare, And If I could speak with each and everyone of you I would. But the reality is I don’t know most of my fathers friends. Its my unfortunate task to inform you that Moussa Allan Awounda past away on Tuesday 20th January at 4am Sweden time. I came to Kenya as Moussa wished to join his family and to comfort them during these hard times. I spent December with my Father and I got to know him more in that one month than I had done in my whole life!!
Taiwo
One thing I can say is that he never let the cancer dissolve his mind. Even over coming the pain to enlighten his guests by Jokingly saying “I am an OBAMA man I will get better” this courage brought much hope and Comfort to those who would feel down about his illness. And up in till his last day spoke clearly and knowingly of his dreams and aspirations of creating awareness of all that’s good about Kenya. I said goodbye and I know that we all have to stay strong just as Moussa stayed strong while fighting this illness.
My E-mail is (deleted) please feel free to contact me, We will arrange for Moussa’s funeral in Sweden and in Kenya, But No plans will be confirmed as of yet. Please send your Names, Address/location, Numbers, If you could state how and when you met or knew Moussa all story’s will be much appreciated. Moussa was a good man and a very respected in Journalism and he will be dearly missed.
(PLEASE DISREGARD IF NOT N/A)
The email was circulated through Awuonda’s hotmail address and is dated 14th February 2009. It is copied to several contacts.
Report From Kenya-Stockholm Weekend: The Awuonda Memorial
If you never went to any of the Kenya-Stockholm functions over the week-end, you can now get a quick report of what happened. The evening opened at the “Awuonda Memorial” at Hornstull which was well organized. There was plenty of food and if you have been missing the Kenyan stuff, it was easy making a choice for a fill. The food crew was led by Mrs Hellen Opwapo assisted by Mrs Jane Owili and Mrs Nancy Osumba. It was great work with every imaginable sample including fried tilapia fish.
Awuonda pictures at Memorial
I arrived late although on time to catch up with the speeches. I had delayed at a “Book talk” because of the curiosity the audience had in topics raised in the book.
I found when Awuonda’s Swedish girlfriend had already left so I had no opportunity to chat with her. Mr. Joshua Oyugi, the Chairperson of the Committee, presented a fantastic eulogy of the late Mr. Awuonda, going through his education, relocation to London, family building and relocation to Sweden before giving the mourners a brief run-down of Mr. Awuonda as a personality.
According to Mr. Oyugi, Awuonda had great difficulties in the process of his education especially after his father, who worked with Kenya Railways, was transferred from Nairobi to Kisumu. Despite his difficulties, Awuonda did manage to leave Kenya to pursue his studies abroad after working briefly with the Daily Nation Newspaper. He wrote for many newspapers as a freelancer, co-produced a documentary on Benga music while he also did research about Lake Victoria in Kisumu. Oyugi said that the product of the research was a well written thesis that needed very little adjustment to convert it into work for a Phd project.
Mr. Oyugi said that Awuonda was a man who knew how to take care of himself and who was also very principled. He said that at times, Awuonda used to go to Elizabeth’s salon to have his hair washed and blow-dried. Lenza Odhiambo, who was at the meeting, confirmed to the audience that this was true. Lenza did some time at the Salon and went further to narrate how Awuonda used to come and take a relaxing posture at the Salon as a matter of past time. Oyugi said that Awuonda used to go to the sauna as part of his program of taking care of himself as the audience listened with attention.
Awuonda: “Life Goes On”
Dr. Otieno Wariaro was then given the privilege to address the mourners in his capacity as the eldest Kenyan who was present and as someone who knew and visited Mr. Awuonda in hospital on several occasions. Daktari said that Awuonda was very strong even though he suffered a lot of pain. He said that the late journalist remained focused while he also managed to write a book review for the January 2009 issue of the prestigious New African magazine.
He said that 12 hours before he died, Awuonda was optimistic and did manage to say that “life goes on”. According to Wariaro, Awuonda had plans of publishing a book titled “The Life of an African Immigrant in Sweden” but death cut his plans short.
I am looking into the possibility of exploring this plan by accessing some written script Awuonda may have written about the book with a view to realizing this noble dream for Awuonda posthumously. It was a very moving brief by Dr. Wariaro who said that the death of Mr. Awuonda was both tragic and unfortunate because it happened on the same day when Obama, a Kenyan-American, was being inaugurated as President of the United States of America.
Others who addressed the mourners were Mrs Hellen Opwapo, Mr. Oyuga Odada, Mr. Ken Aroka and Mr. Gerry Changa Midenyo.
Mr. Odada said that people have a tendency of saying good things after a person has died and encouraged those present to say those things when a person is still alive. He said that whatever good things people were saying after death were of no big help if they were also not said when the person was alive.
mourners listening to speeches
Pictures of Mr. Awuonda had been neatly displayed on a table strategically placed at the entrance. They were nice pictures which depicted Awuonda’s early life up to the time he was hospitalized. The Awuonda Funeral Committee had done a great job in remembering this great son of Kenya who had departed.
I did chip in to talk about my contacts with Mr. Awuonda way back in 1995. I told the mourners that the evolution of a writer of Awuonda’s caliber takes time because serious writing is like a call. I said that it is like being called “to serve Jesus Christ”. I then underlined the difficulties of playing the role of “society’s mirror”, noting the inherent conflicts, misunderstandings, disagreements and other dangers in the business. I had the opportunity to discuss some of these issues with Mr. Awuonda.
There was plenty of good music with “DJ Ken” spinning for the night. He had brought with him a heavy music system which kept the crowd jumping on and off the floor to shake stuff. The attendance was moderate and the Kenyan Embassy was represented by Mrs Catherine Kiboi, the administrative Attaché. Despite minor interruptive theatrics during speeches, the event was good while the atmosphere remained somber in unison with the mourning mood.
The event was meant to end at mid-night and as the clock ticked, I left base together with Mzee Gerry Midenyo to find out what was happening at Sätra. We were driven to “The first ever Kenya-video mix” by a good friend who left us right at the entrance of the Redline Disco where a red carpet had been rolled. We were taken in “under tight security” as we joined other Kenyans to have fun for the evening. Once again, we were lucky because the big attraction had not yet started. A brief report will be filed shortly.
Okoth Osewe
Awuonda’s “Kenya Memorial” On Sato 14th February
On Saturday February 14th, Kenyans, friends and well-wishers will hold a ”Kenya Memorial” for the late Mr. Moussa Awuonda, a Kenyan journalist who passed away on January 20th. Plans for the memorial are complete.
According to Mr. Kenneth Aroka, the Secretary of the “Awuonda Funeral Committee which met on Saturday at Continental Hotel, the Memorial will be held at Hornsgatan 137 and will begin at 17.00 until 24.00. Mr. Aroka said that a tentative Program for the evening has been drawn although not all speakers have been confirmed.
The Memorial will be held ahead of Mr. Awuonda’s funeral scheduled for February 20th at Stockholm’s Chapel (near Stockholm’s Sjukhem at Fredhiemsplan). The service will begin at 14.00 hrs. After the service, Mr. Awuonda’s body will be cremated as per his wishes that are documented in a will currently in the custody of his girlfriend.
Plans are underway to get Mr. Awuonda’s sister to travel to Sweden to represent the family at the funeral. According to the Will left behind by the late Awuonda, his ashes will be buried in Sweden while a portion of the ashes will be sprinkled in Lake Victoria in Kisumu city, Kenya. Apart from the will, KSB has gathered that Mr. Awuonda had told several Kenyans that he wanted his body cremated. Two Kenyans told KSB that the late journalist wanted his body cremated.
Okoth Osewe
Breaking News: West African Couple Conned By Kenyan Travel Agent
A Kenyan Travel Agent has allegedly conned a West African couple 11,000 kr by issuing a ticket which was rejected at check in at the Airport prompting the man to cancel his travel plans. The man comes from Nigeria while the woman hails from Senegal. The couple, sounding angry and upset, called KSB to report that all their plans had collapsed with huge economic losses because of deals that were supposed to be sealed back in Africa. The couple said that they were unable to reach the agent on phone while he had allegedly moved from his office. KSB is following the story.
Okoth Osewe
Valentine’s Day With Kenyan Disk Jockey Delph
The sounds coming from the ”Sound of Blackness” appear to be getting “more and more blacker”. Since the group surfaced to curve a special niche in Kenya-Stockholm Entertainment industry, Sound of Blackness has gone well past their introductory phase to become a name, not just among Kenyans who can claim ownership “Obama style” but also among some of the blackest among the Diaspora black community in Stockholm.
Big bet: Hoping for madiabas shaking on huge screen
Once the group set base with DJ EZ Frank and Mixologist DJ Safi “in the Mixer”, the group moved quickly to mix its disco beats at various joints with episodes of special guests who added flavor and expectation among Party lovers within their clientele. We still remember DJ Oti who was flown by Sound of Blackness aboard a special jet all the way from the United States to introduce Wakenya here to Kenya styles weaved in the United States and revelers agreed that DJ Oti rocked them beyond expectation.
Just recently, DJ Ali Kiba was in town at the pleasure of Sound of Blackness which has shown that it has special interest in giving fans here that special treatment which you will never get even at the most established Stockholm Party joints. Ali Kiba was doing his thing at Sätra Redline Disco together with Naksh Mrembo and Cinderella, all in the name of “keeping it real” for Kenyans who enjoy variety when they make a selection of what is on the Party menu.
With the Valentine’s day already here, very few Kenyans might have been privy to what Sound of Blackness had in store this time around. They have been scheming behind the scenes to pop up with something absolutely fresh in the world of Kenya-Stockholm boogie experience. They have been wiring up VJ Delph to come and Wakisha Wakenya on Mapenzi day.
The event is so novel that some Kenya Party addicts were left wondering what VJ Delph was all about because they have never experienced a Video Jockey. For those who have (like myself ), the missing segment has been the Kenya madiabas being shaken by Kenyan artists on the giant screen as the Party crowd sweat it out on the floor in competition. It has been dubbed “Stockholm’s first Ever Video Mix” on Valentine’s day and what is more?
Sound of Blackness has brought in Stockholm “First Ever” Kenya Video Jockey aka VJ Delph whom, by the way, is a celebrity in his own right. The VJ will be jetting in from Cologne, Germany, where he was invited to a special “Obama Germany Bash” and where he performed with DJs Toxic, Manila and Clip. The event was organized by Visual Jay Entertainment Kenya in conjunction with Joseph Becker Germany and reports reaching KSB say that it was a thrill.
For VJ Delph, who is based at Club Lambada in Mtwapa, it will be time to get Kenyans and other fans here to enjoy life and get to know what he can do to get people happy. Falling on Valentine’s Day, there is no telling the number of new unions that will be confirmed that night which has all the ingredients necessary for pleasure.
By inviting VJ Delph here, Sound of Blackness has once again proved that they are capable of raising “Entertainment temperatures” a notch higher and what else should Kenyans be doing if we cannot respond to the occasion by supporting the initiative and having fun at the same time. In any case, when did you last try to catch up with Obamanomics together with friends during those brief breaks of fresh air?
KSB will be there to watch how the snow around Red Line disco will be melting from the heat emanating from the “Party humanity” that will be working their bodies down as DJ Delph gives direction on the screen.
Okoth Osewe
“Why I Resigned From Narck-K Scandinavia” – Wamburi
Mr. Kenneth Wamburi Munge, the Secretary of Narc-Kenya Scandinavia, has told KSB that he resigned from Narc-K Scandinavia’s leadership because the Party back home is a conglomeration of the rich whose agenda is to exploit the poor. He said that he was surprised that Martha Karua, the Party leader, was not ready to pay taxes even though people were starving across the country.
Mr. Wamburi said that after his trip to Kenya, he discovered that the Party had no grass roots support while its following among common Mwananchi was weak because the interests of this group is not represented in the Party. He said that his resignation was also linked to the fact that the Party had become dormant while its Scandinavian branch had also died.
“I did not tender my resignation because of an individual as has been suggested in some quarters. I resigned because of political principles”, he said. He added that he has nothing personal against anybody or any Party leader.
He said that the Narc-Kenya Scandinavia branch has no real contacts with the mother Party in Kenya because the Party leaders in Kenya have decided to ignore the Party branch. He added that the Scandinavia branch was divided as a result of personal intrigue and personality clashes and that this situation had made it impossible for him to work for Party unity.
Mr. Wamburi said that despite his resignation, he is still considering his political options, saying that he will continue to serve Kenyans in Stockholm with diligence. He said that Kenyans are craving for a new generation of leaders and urged the Kenyan community in Stockholm to think on how the country can be turned around using resources available abroad.
Okoth Osewe
Update On Awuonda Funeral
Plans for the funeral arrangements of the late Mr. Moussa awuonda continues. According to information released by Mr. Ken Aroka, the Secretary of the Awuonda Funeral Committee, plans are underway to get Mr. Awuonda’s sister to travel to Sweden to attend the funeral which will take place on Friday February 20th 2009 at Stockholm Chapel.
The Awuonda committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow Saturday at 16.00 at Continental Hotel to discuss details of the funeral arrangements. Ken told KSB that the Committee is in touch with Awuonda’s girlfriend who also continues to update the sons about every step in the process. The sons will not attend the funeral.
The Committee plans to book a venue in Stockholm where Kenyans can come to mourn Awuonda and to pay homage to the departed soul.
Okoth Osewe
Kenyan Journalist Beheaded
International Federation of Journalists
Press Release
February 3, 2009
IFJ Condemns Murder of Journalist in Kenya
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its African group, the Federation of African Journalists, today urged the Kenyan government to launch an immediate investigation into the murder of Francis Nyaruri, a Kenyan journalist whose decapitated and beaten body was found in a forest in the west of the country.
“The government must leave no stone unturned in the hunt for those who are responsible for this horrific crime,” said Omar Faruk, President of The Federation of African Journalists, FAJ. “We are convinced that this murder is linked to our colleague’s courageous reporting.”
According to media reports, the body of Francis Kainda Nyaruri, a provincial correspondent and freelancer based in the south western town of Nyambira was found decapitated on January 29 in a forest outside the town where he freelanced for the Nation media group. The body was marked with deep gashes and his hands were tied behind his back, confirming that he was assassinated. Nyaruri had disappeared two weeks ago.
The IFJ has learned from journalists’ organisations in Kenya that Nyaruri had recently denounced police brutalities and the plight of inmates who are often ill-treated in Kenyan prisons. Nyaruri had reportedly received many threats following a number of articles he had published in the local newspapers.
“There must be total clarity over the circumstances of Nyaruri’s murder,” added Baglo.” This crime is just further proof that media freedom in Kenya is clearly under serious threat.”
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide
About KSB
New Book On Kenya December 2007 Election Crisis: In Circulation
-
Recent Comments
Rita marley on Decoding The National Alliance… Ean Wuod Luo on What Else Did You Do When You … kimiti on Decoding The National Alliance… Ms wise on What Else Did You Do When You … Kimama Kinono(kieupe… on What Else Did You Do When You … NEW: COUNTRY STATS
