By Irene Gaitirira
Published September 6, 2016
This week’s arts diary sees a sculptor introduce his village, a music band launch its debut album and Africa mark a decade of food revolution with a photographic exhibition.
Let’s begin with Shared Success: An Agriculture Transformation @ 10, a collection of photos on farming communities across Africa that opens at Nairobi National Museum on September 6, 2016.
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The exhibition features photos shot in Kenya, Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Tanzania and, according to Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Rockefeller Foundation, “showcases the triumphs of the men, women, and communities that have benefited from the steady transformation taking place in Africa’s agricultural sector.”
This exhibition of photographs that runs through September Commemorates 10 years of AGRA’s “journey of working to catalyse transformation across the agricultural value chain in Africa.”
As you continue to celebrate the food revolution, Alliance Francaise brings you a music concert-cum-album launch on September 10, 2016.
To be launched is The Force of Gravitti that is described as a “distinctively reggae debut album” by a band that has for years been backing various musicians–Iddi Achieng, Zippy Akoth, Makadem, Olith Ratego–but without ever having released its own album.
For Sh3000 (VIP) and Sh2000 (regular) ticket per head, you shall be admitted to the launch by Gravitti band that comprises Jacob Okello, Tindi, Ms Okinda, Jah Lyric, Big Charlie and Mathewmatix Rabala. The Force of Gravitti, the band says, tackles “social issues affecting Africans. It celebrates legends and pioneers and promotes peace and love.”
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Coming to Goethe-Institut on September 8, 2016 is Music Policy in Kenya and Kenyan Music’s contribution to the economy discussion.
This second discussion will bring together panelist from key segments of the industry to explore the commercial potential of Kenyan music, realities, challenges, opportunities and industry’s contribution to the Kenyan economy.
On the panel shall be Mike Strano (Founder, Phat! Entertainment), Tim Rimbui (Producer & Founder Waabeh.com), June Gachui ( Artist and IP Lawyer) and George Gachara (Managing Partner, HEVA Fund).
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Then comes stone sculptor Robin Okeyo Mbera, all set to introduce his carving village.
“Bomware village is located off Migori-Nyachenge Road on your way from Kisii town to Isebania on the Kenya/Tanzanian border. An all-weather road diversion on the left before Rongo town leads to Tabaka, the home of Kisii soap stone in in Kisii, one of the 47 administrative units known as counties in Kenya. The town is littered with Soapstone curio shops. A road that leads to the quarry passes through Tabaka, where my studio, MberArt is situated.”
And Robin Mbera does not fail to surprise you.
“The name Bomware, loosely translated, means the village of people who are as dirty as foxes. The term was invented to denigrate my people. It is because the people of Bomware were always covered with white dust from soapstone from which they earned–and still earn–a living.”
