Members of the Africa Renaissance Group, a newly formed group in Sweden, is making their debut in the Nyama Choma zone in Stockholm. The group has settled for Friday, June the 6th as the big day when Africans in Sweden are invited to an outdoor grill Party that will take place at Fittja Beach from 10.00-22.00 hrs.
June 6th, which has been chosen by Africa Renaissance, is special because it is the Swedish National day and because it will be a holiday, it should be possible for people to attend the Nyama Choma even if the event falls on a week day. The day is not the official Mid summer time in Sweden but it falls just on the right month.
The leadership of Africa Renaissance is drawn from a cross-section of African countries although some Swedes are also part of it. KSB has been in touch with Mr. Barry Owino, the Assistant Treasurer of the group, and when I spoke to him, he sounded upbeat about the event.
Africa Renaissance has been in existence for just 30 days and already, it has pulled a Nyama choma, an indication that the leadership is “action-oriented”. Another key personality in the group is Mr. Samson Mande, a Human Rights activist from Uganda who also works with the International Red Cross.
Mande is not a new comer in organized African life in Stockholm. After the post election violence in Kenya, Mande sat in two Kenyan committees that had been formed by Kenyans to help address the crisis that the country had plunged in following election rigging by PNU in December. Mande sat in the Committees of both MOREDEK (Movement for the Restoration of Democracy in Kenya) and UHCK (United for Humanitarian Cause in Kenya).
The Nyama Choma will not just be an entertainment event without attachments. Cash raised at the function will go towards helping the needy in Africa. According to Barry, the group will use the event to inform attendees about what they do and why the group was set up. The organization is also seeking to recruit new members and the Nyama Choma beat could be a good joint for such an operation. Speaking to KSB, Barry said:
“We, at the same time, would like to have as many members as possible to enable us be more effective. We are only one month old and have at least 30 members so far. Our membership is a mix-up of Swedes and Africans from different parts of the Continent”.
An attractive component of Nyama Choma at Fittja which many Kenyans are used to normally include “Big music” as part of the menu. Certain details are not yet in but it is expected that as June 6th draws near, Africa Renaissance leadership will come up with information to fill in the gaps. Although there will be music at Fittja, Barry said that there will be no extended Party at Norsborg and unless there is a change of plan, nothing is expected. Secondly, it is not known how much Nyake eaters will have to dig from their pockets to fill up their tummies as they enjoy the event.
Traditionally, the Nyama eaters have had to part with at least 100 kr which gave those attending the ticket to chew meat until they surrender. When KUWA used to organize the event, endless Nyama eating used to be free while a bash that followed at Norsborg was also free. Of cause, that was when KUWA was a beneficiary of State funds and so it could afford to give away free stuff.
Without an all night bash after the Nyam Chom, the thorny issue is what will be done with the revelers who will, no doubt, be in a Party mood. If someone could throw a bash, he/she could scoop some quid because people will be desperate to swing after they have been warmed up at Fittja Beach. Further information about the event can be obtained from Barry at Tel: 0704807524 or from Mande at sm.5050@yahoo.com.
Okoth Osewe
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