African music stars to look out for in 2021 Part 1

Its rare for artists to break into super star status especially in africa. In the last 10 years, very few names have made an impact across Africa. Some of them like Diamond Platnumz, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest have made it after working for years in the background. Here is a list of some artists who are likely to achieve the same level of success

 

Nadia Mukami

 

 

The East african songstress and queen of the collabo is destined to break into the African music space. She seems to already be calling it into existence since her tag is "African Pop star." Her most underrated skill is her writing, penning most if not all of her hottest songs. Her star has risen and blown up In just about three years since establishing her career in Kenya's music industry, raising the hope that she will be one of Africa's most potent singers.

 

Sha Sha - South Africa

 

The Zimbabwean born crooner has been building her repertoire for the last couple of years on the underground scene. She released her first single "Miss Independent" in 2015 and immediately made a mark. She was a middling success until 2019 when she featured on the littest amapiano hits like MFR Souls' "Love You Tonight" and Samthing Soweto's "Akulaleki." She also released her debut EP, Blossom, that showcased her versatility. The release contains hints of amapiano, R&B, pop, soul and EDM. She joined DJ Maphorisa's label, Blaqboy Music and with two songs passing the coveted 1 million mark in 2020, her star is definitely on the rise.

 

Tems - Nigeria

 

 

The 25 year old singer, Tems is a Nigerian singer, focused on promoting the movement currently shaping alternative music in Nigeria to advance the culture and conversations alike.
Her voice has been compared to that of Tracy Chapman's the soultry queen of soul.
She was recently recruited (with Davido) by Khalid for his 'Know Your Worth (Remix)', further cementing her as a buddging international star with heavy artistic chops.

Even though she was recently arrested in Uganda, this small escapade is created a groundswell of support for her and some notoriety.

“Try Me”, Tems’ most recent drop, is setting her up for greatness having passed the one million mark on YouTube. Watch it below...

 

Biggest African songs of 2020 Part 1

2020 has been a great year for african music, despite the pandemic and the lack of gigs and touring. More listeners around the world have been exposed to great african music from our stars. From burnaboy to wizkid, Mr Eazi to Master KG, the world has heard the best that Africa has to offer.

Odogwu by Burna Boy
Burna's second single of the year is Odogwu. It.s an igbo name and title that means a great or accomplished man. Burna Boy revealed he was called “Odogwu” when he went to Igbo land and this inspired the title and attitude of the song. Hence, he announces that hes flown over every obstacle to be recognized, and the same way, nobody can stop you. The song is a new twist on Afro fusion and what success looks like for Burnaboy. It paints him as who he is, one of Africa's greatest musicians and stars.Give it a listen below...

SIMI

 

Duduke by Simi
One of 2020's biggest tracks, duduke was a smashing hit and one of the biggest of the year. Produced by well known Oscar, Simi's ‘Duduke’ was thought to be a lovers song for one's partner but the release of the video showed that the intention is to celebrate the unique love a mother shares with her child. Since its April release, it's extremely popular all over Africa with dozens of millions of streams and a number of great covers.

 

Master KG

 

Jerusalema - Master KG
If this was an award ceremony, Jerusalema would have won by a huge margin. The south african banger was one of the biggest songs in the world and is likely to hit a billion views in 2021 / 2022. It spawned a super viral dance challenge months after it's release and a remix with Burnaboy in November. 

For the love of Art

Good Morning Nairobi, Kenya, Africa, World.

How are yall doing? Hope your day is going good.

Today I'm talking about artists.

Getting to this point in the post would have taken three paragraphs. Just took three lines. I'm growing up. Oooh, so awesome! Kabisa!

As I write this, I'm on set, shooting an advert. Very hush hush job. I don't have a big role so I have a lot of time on my hands. There are very many varied and talented artists around. From the Colourful cast members, unbelievably attractive models, Tattooed Directors of Photography, multi pierced fashion designers, Red haired make up artists, to plain looking directors, silent ( and zombie like) sound recordists, thoughtful fine artists and production designers ( for thé record, fine artists does not mean attractive artists), the energy conservative musicians and finally, the awkward and geeky writers. So it's apt writing on this unique, different and ( let's be frank about it) weird industry.

Or just different

What makes one an artist?
To create.

(NB , for the rest of the blog, an artist is anyone who creates. Whether you write, act, direct, paint, design, fashion, tattoos, nails, do make up, music, dance etc... )

That's the defining trait of an artist.
One who wakes up every morning to push himself to create thoughts, words, images, and music.

One who uses the right side of the brain more than the left. I.e, right side is the creative side of brain, and the left side is the logical one. Illustrated below.

To the left, to the right

 

What makes one create?

What makes one open up his mind, heart and soul to create and expose his art to the world?

 Honestly?

There are many reasons.

Why do Artists Create Art?

The grandest of all reasons is...

For the art.
Yes. Creating art for arts sake.
It's one of the best reasons to create. Write because you want to write. Act because you want to. Direct, Sing, Dance, paint, because you want to. Do it because you love it. 

One is pain, hurt and loss; or other "negative " emotions.
Most artists  have gone through so much pain and loss, that creating art is a remedy, a therapy for broken hearts, tired limbs, fatigued minds. Some create their best art when in the deepest of pain and hurt. Taylor swift is a perfect example.

The impulse to share.
Art is synonymous with communication. We create art so as to share a thought, feeling or idea with the world. Sometimes, this impulse is so powerful that you spend sleepless nights and days creating. Usually associated with emotional art, conscious art,  example? Tupac Shakur. John legend, Elani, Sarabi.

Very Calm

For other not-so-grand-reasons
Like Money, or fame. Personally, I don't judge why one creates their art, as long as you create art that is good enough to satisfy your needs. Sometimes (most times), as an artist, one has to create to pay the bills. Simple. And sometimes, that amount of pressure helps one create magnificent art.

Cant Keep calm

Artists are weird.
Its a fact. Majority of artists that Ive met (which translates to most of my friends) are... different. They are not what society would call normal. See that description I gave on the artists on that set. Different, right?

See?

Even if we're weird, or different, were happy.
Why?
Because, when you were a child, chances are that your favorite lesson was music, or arts and crafts, or drama.
Imagine being able to do that as a grown up.
Imagine that every day, you wake up and you can't wait to get to work.
Imagine being unable to sleep cos of these amazing ideas that keep bombarding your mind.
Imagine being unable to sleep cause you cant wait to start on tomorrows project.

and artists are bees

You skip meals cause you don't want to stop creating, even for a few seconds. Even when you have a bad day, you don't need to drink yourself silly. Just immerse yourself deeper into your art, and you will be happy. Right now, I should be at home, relaxing. But I'm sitted in an office, typing off a blog, and I'm extremely happy. After a long day of creating, when your head hits the pillow, you find yourself smiling.

Happiness

Like this kid here

Need more evidence?
http://hyperallergic.com/82279/study-finds-that-artists-are-happy-being-artists/


The downside of being an artist? Where to begin...
To be an artist, one has to sacrifice. Sacrifice yourself to your art. One sacrifices money, time, energy and brain cells. We also sacrifice the ones close to us, the ones we love. Family, Love, Friends; they all feel the pinch. Sometimes we realise too late to change. Other times, we realise with some time to spare and go about correcting our mistakes...

One also has to be rebellious. And I don't just mean the teenage rebellion. I mean every day, willing to push your own boundaries and the boundaries of the art. So this puts you at odds with a lot of people, sometimes even with yourself. You end up hurting people....

 
 As artists, We hurt the people closest to us. Family, Loved ones and Friends.
On behalf of all artists, I apologise to all that the pursuit of art has pained and hurt. We will be better.

Personally, to my mother, sorry for the late nights and the endless worry. To My love, sorry for the time spent away from you. To my friends not already inside this crazy world, sorry for the craziness.

May the future be brighter than New years eve Fireworks

And Now to a personal art story...


Four months ago, on a hot and sunny afternoon, just before my first stage directing class, a Jovial, gracefully aging American walked into Harambee Hall, a lecture hall directly next to The department of Theatre Arts and Film Technology, where yours truly is pursuing a B.A , currently in third year. A small number of students was there, about 15. He introduced himself, Professor Richard Hess, visiting Fullbright Scholar from the University of Cincinnati. Here for the next four months as a member of faculty.

Teeth!

It has been an amazing Journey from creating montages, to poems and a new revelation called a content less scene. We have had good times with this artist, even creating a performance with 12 (kumi na mbili) second year students of which I am a member. The Video is live on YouTube. Here is the link. 

 http://youtu.be/b5u4Ywz-nt8

To Sir Hess. Thank you for the amazing times creating alongside you. You have taught me many lessons, both in my professional and personal life (Like never give up). I thank you for the times, the drinks and the very tasty chicken pudding. God bless you. Say Hello to the good folks at back home, Cincinnati Uni and at Fullbright. Greetings to your wife, and to your Son. May our paths cross again.

Yours Artistically

Dean.

P.S this is the second post on Art that Ive written. Have a read of the first.

 http://deangichukie.blogspot.com/2012/09/artistically-yours.html

Just hold on we're going home

Tuesday 14 May 2013

A bikini is an outfit where 90% of a woman's body is exposed.
The amazing fact is that men are so decent, they only look at the 10% that isn't

Good Morning, afternoon, evening and night readers.  

It’s been SEVEN months since my last post. Wow. Seven months. Feels like yesterday I was cranking up my fingers. How've ya’ll been? I hope your all good, as good as Ive been for and sooo mucho has happened. First of all, I'm grateful for the 5000 reads my blog has had. 5432 to be exact, from all over the world. From the United States to Portugal, Russia to Mexico, Canada to Kenya.   I am humbled, very humbled, that you take the time to read my words, experience my stories with me. You are my inspiration. I will continue as much as I possibly can. Check out your flag among the below

Now, I had planned an awesome comeback to the blogosphere. Neon lights, Fanfare, Models in skimpy outfits, spotlights, the full works.  But this is a more modest enterprise.  Though dedicating a blog to one day’s activities is rather cocky, this might be an exception. Be the judge.

Then I almost don’t know where to start. Almost.

So this is a Post of many firsts. First post this year 2013.  First post dedicated to one day. First post to be written from home. First post wearing only... never mind. Its a post of many firsts, but most things are as they've always been. 

So Tuesday 14 may 2013. 

Started the day with repairs in the house. ##NewInfo. Moved to a new neighborhood. Before getting to Ngara, just next to Pioneer College, at the Ngara Civil Housing Scheme. I know people, hehe. Amazing place, cool peeps. And here are the pictures…

Then went to Upper Hill, at NHIF, for a meeting. At the security gate, I got so scanned that I felt X-rayed.  First the guard scanners who violate you by running their hands over you. Then the machine scanner that detects every tiny piece of metal. Really dude? It’s a ring. Not gonna blow up anything. Then finally the meeting. Will divulge details as soon as I can. So after that, went to the British council to rent those awesome and perfect British films. After getting double scanned by huge scary G4S guys. Same thing with the machine. Only to find out they no longer have a library. It was closed down three years ago. And down goes the drain chances of getting those rare awesome British films. Even heard the sound of a toilet flushing in my head. Then back to town to harambee Avenue and walked straight into...

THE OCCUPY PARLIAMENT PROTEST. 

My first reaction. If that was a party, PROJECT X would not be in the discussion. First, cops everywhere with fingers on the trigger. Then the blood. I walked past a guy with two buckets of blood. I do not want to know what that’s about. Then the beaten up protestors. Or so I thought. Met these protestors locked in at the police station. Sounded very high. Or drunk. Or both. Yea, definitely both. Also bumped into Actor Mugambi Nthiga. Asked what was up. Reply? "You know, occupying Parliament" Check out the Youtube link Videos below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHfnnetwUD4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT8LudClrZ8

 Turns out, they were from slaughtering pigs. Yupp, Pigs. The gist of the protest. MP’s + Pigs = Mpigs. The whole Linturi thang of maintaining MP’s insanely bloated salaries. So the protestors used insanely bloated pigs to drive the point home.  And here are the pics…

DISCLAIMER:: Some of the pics are.... Just Wrong.

 

The Inventor of tear gas, a certain Dr. Robert W. Wood, was a genius. That Shit is Strooooong!!!! Along Harambee avenue, all you could see were people crying and sneezing, hours after the teargas disappeared into the air. For some reason, Tear gas does not affect police officers as much as normal people. Except for this guy. . .

To the MPIG's, food for thought...

 Spent the later afternoon practising for a certain new project. Details will also be revealed soon. 

Then to Allianse Franciase for the 22nd European Film Festival> Watched a swiss Comedy Titled "Late Bloomers", a story of an elderly Grandmothers quest to start a lingerie Boutique in a conservative village. It was genuinely funny with several laugh aloud moments. Will be there today too, From the 5.30 showing of "Easy Money". See you there. Visit the below link for more information

 http://www.filmkenya.co.ke/

http://www.afkenya.or.ke/spip.php?rubrique86

Yours Back-With-A-Bang

Dean.

Cancer Awareness

Hey people! How yall doing??? Hope youve been good and doing what you do best, wether its studying, dancing, singing, directing, acting, serial killing... maybe not on that last one, hehe. . .. Its been a couple of weeks since I posted. Im doing good since my Last post, 

October is cancer awareness month and keeping that in mind, most of my activities Ive been Involed in are awareness oriented. Ive been rehearsing for a Cancer awareness play for the last two weeks with Dove arts and well show it to you guys next weekend at yet to be released locations but around Nairobi. Keep posted to my facebook wall for more updates.

MY dear Mother has also been busy with cancer themes in mind. She is one of the main event organisers for a cancer walk and screening taking place this weekend on saturday and sunday at Queen of Apostoles Ruaraka. Ive taken the liberty to dedicate this post to her event. And this is most likely the last time pink is going to appear on this blog. Read on.  . .

 

 

Cancer Walk Day - On 27th Oct 2012

Cancer Screening Day - On 28th Oct 2012

Cancer Screening Day - On 28th Oct 2012

The Cancer Walk and the Screening Event is a day that will be packed with lots of activities for a noble cause. On 27th October 2012, we shall conduct a Cancer Awareness Walk from the Queens of Apostles Church compound and along the Superhighway. The Walk shall start 7.00am to 11.00am. Members from the Young Professionals and the Youth of the church and members of the community are expected to participate in the walk. This shall raise funds towards eradicating the menace as well as looking forward to open a Counseling centre along the Super Highway. Interested sponsors who would like to participate in this noble cause are cordially invited.

On the following day the 28th October2012, we shall now have the Screening day. We have invited about 30 Medical Practitioners volunteering from hospitals in Nairobi who will be conducting the exercise, as well as cancer survivors in the locality who will show case their survival tactics. This is based on the fact that we want to make it bigger and better to include the following activities but not limited to:

1. Cancer and other diseases testing
2. Paps Smear
3. Screening and Counseling of Breast Cancer and Prostate
4. Blood Pressure
5. Diabetes Testing
6. Body Mass Index, (BMI)
7. Dental and Eye conditions
8. HIV/AIDS testing and counseling
9. Health and Nutrition talks on management of terminal and lifestyle diseases
10. Blood donation exercises among others

 

How to Assist Through Sponsorship

There are three categories of Sponsorship

Platinum
Gold
Silver

Platinum Category

Platinum class sponsors will have status as main official sponsors of the Cancer Walk. In addition to being the main official sponsors of the event, the following will be added:

• The sponsor will be mentioned at the opening, during the event and at the close of the event.
• The main sponsor will get to display his banner and even set up a tent to showcase his products and services in form of promotional material (i.e. flyers, leaflets, brochures, booklets)
• The main sponsor will also get a chance to give a 15 minute speech
• The main sponsor will also get a chance to put up 3 own banners in the venue.

Gold Category

In this category the sponsor will enjoy the following benefits:

• Get mentioned at the opening and closing of the event.
• Get to put up 2 own banners and also get the opportunity to set up a tent to show case their products
• Get a chance to give a 10 minute speech.

Silver Category

In this category the sponsor will enjoy the following:

• Get mentioned at the beginning and the closing of the event
• Get to set up one banner at the event
• Set up a tent to show case their products and distribute their promotional literature ie flyers ,brochures etc

Comparison table

Action	Platinum	Gold	Silver
Status: Main Official Sponsor	Yes	No	No
Speech	Yes(15 mins)	Yes(10 mins)	No
Main Banner	Yes	No	No
Own Banner	Yes (3 Banners)	Yes (2 banners)	Yes (1 Banner)
Tent & promotional material	Yes	Yes	Yes

Sponsorship Table

Category	Sponsorship (in Ksh)
	Max	Min
Platinum	500,000	250,000
Gold	250,000	100,000
Silver	100,000	20,000

The main sponsor owns the right to direct the sponsorship to certain areas of the event. A detailed cost balance of the event will be sent on request. In order to secure the placement in this event, the deadline of 2 weeks ahead of the event should be strictly respected.

Your great co-operation in partnering with us on using making strides Against Cancer will be highly appreciated.

Sponsors.

Contact Us

Tumaini House 3rd floor suite 309
P.O. Box 906-00618
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 700 299 380
email: info@cackenya.org

References from.

 www.cackenya.org

Yours, In Health,

 Dean.

Film Review: Nairobi Half Life

Good Morning, afternoon, evening and Night, dear readers. How've you been? I hope ya'll been as I have. Good. Started classes and working on some projects, both in Acting and Writing.


 Today were focusing on a mombasa image as the starter pic. One of the most beautiful towns I have had the pleasure of visiting. To those coast peeps trying to protest, ati "Pwani si Kenya", don't you dare take mombasa, malindi, Diani, hell, all of it away from us. KDF just beat the Al-shabaab, let them come home and rest. Mombasa is very special to kenyans. A holidaying spot, second largest city and all... Its also one of the town's "Jack Zollo" "travelled to" in his "career" as a criminal. If you haven't read "My life In crime" so... no! I aint saying sorry for that. You shoud've read the biggest kenyan bestseller, besides the bible. Word.












 Last post, I'd mentioned that I was a fan of Nairobi Half Life, without and before watching it. So I decided
to make a plan, on a sunday afternoon, with dear mother, at westgate, to watch it. It was ... ... more on this later.... Then I happened to hear of the Kenya buzz competion on writing "Nairobi Half Life: Film review". I religiously wrote my own and its on the kenya buzz website, awaiting acceptance and I wait for that e-mail informing me of winning the competition. The  Reward is 1)the winning review to be printed onto the Star Newspaper and 2) 15,000 dol.... kenya shillings (almost got you there, hehe). Here is the link to the competition page,  /kenyabuzz.com/ but for the meantime, here is my review... Quote unquote.

 

Nairobi Half Life Review

Nairobi half life (2012) is an action flick commandeered by David 'Tosh' Gitonga, penned by Serah mwihaki, A collaboration of Ginger Ink Films and One fine day Films. A present day story of Mwas (Joseph Wairimu), an aspiring actor from 'mashambani' who dreams of becoming a spartan in the performers world. He's told that 'He's good' by an actor from a travelling theatre troupe, but his Achilles heel is "Ako ocha". He decides to travel to Nairobi, to put down roots in the acting world. His pursuit of his dreams coincidentally lands him in trouble, in the Central Police Station cages, where he meets Oti (Maina Olwenya), a cocky criminal cooling his heels in the cells. They strike a surprising partnership and once released, combine brains and brawn with the other gang members, Mose, Waf and Kyalo, to eke out a living in the criminal underworld. The story is chronological and set in the Kenyan Highlands, Nairobi city and suburban slums and estates in a community slightly above the poverty line.

 What hit me was the rawness of this film. The use of indigenous languages and dialects, Swahili, Kikuyu and Sheng' is exemplary. The director and cast give a bare knuckled tale of the Kenyan criminal underworld; the experiences, dreams and realities of its Inhabitants are not held back. Neither is the swearing and use of profane language when the need arises, always rising to the occasion; whether to avoid being under cut during "business" deals or friendly banter with the local corrupt officers. 

 Images of cramped 10" by 10" rooms shared by six people and those of closed corridors where commercial sex workers advertise and "sell" their wares, gay scenes to grand theft auto in the leafy suburbs make the story unique. The film scores are a combination of underground hiphop by Ukoo Flani "Halisi", Rap by P-unit "hodi hodi", Afro-electro-pop by Just a band "Hahe" and Original scores by Xavier von Treyer. "Live and die in eastleigh" is also played. "Hahe" by Just a band was the best placed of all, as they steal tyres from cars in the dead of night. The song plays, "Tuko works Mzeiya" as the cinema hall erupted in applause. Hmm, who knows, we may have more gangsters in Nairobi than we originally thought.
 
 

 











The use of locations and personalities familiar to the Kenyan and Nairobi population gives the film an authentic feel, a story told on the same streets and buildings we walk by daily. Settings like Sarova Stanley, Machakos bus station, Kenya Cinema, Pension towers, The Hilton Nairobi, Kenya National Theatre, Phoenix players theatre and the countless fries cafes in the Central business District. In addition Known actors such as Nini Wacera, Eddi Kimani, Ojiambo Ainea, Nancy Wanjiku, Gilbert Lukalia, Kenneth Gichoya considerably increase the familiarity.


The were three disappointing aspects of the film. The extras, over emphasization on poverty and the scenes in motion. The extra's were very plastic in their acting, as if they held their breath every time the camera focused in their direction. I very much doubt that they were actors, and am sure there are very many natural career extras in Kenya who would gladly show up for filming. Too much of anything is a bad thing, too much poverty is even worse. A few scenes of the highlife would have been highly appreciated, Tosh Gitonga. Moving scenes were poorly done, in no constant direction, haphazard.

The message of redemption, hope, is very strong throughout the film, only eclipsed by a feel good syndrome. Countless jokes are cracked during the film, from Mwas falling through the roof to making fun of Mose who aspires to "sing like kidum". The movie is uplifting and proves that in the midst of all the poverty and misery, a few laughs are possible.

 

 Personally, I loved the film, from the opening score to the credits. The directing was well done, Script was awesome the acting was superb ,especially Oti, who I suspect might be a gangster, night shift of course and Nini who might have had her phone stolen a couple of times too many. The editing was good, mirrored by the setting. Camera work was spectacular, especially the zooming in and out of crowds. Choreography of the fighting scene was we'll done, believable. Montage scenes were well executed. The message was very strong, and answers several important questions. So one question still stands...

"Have we really chosen to be who we are?"Written By: Dean Gichukie.












Below is one of my favourite images of a Nairobi Sunset. Glad I could share it with you. Courtesy of "Mutua Matheka photography"

Adios Amigos, 

Dean.

Artistically Yours.

Another Sunrise, Nairobi Style.

Greetings readers, how have ya'll been? Hope you've all been good. How was summer? Was good for me did a lot of stuff, was super busy and happy for the most part. Met lots of amazing peeps, Actors, actresses, Directors, Producers, name them...

Kudos to the 2000 plus readers from all over the world. The US of A is upping its game,(Y'all better vote for Obama, btw) Kenya holding it down as always, The French are showing some love, as is their nature, in conjuntion with the russians, lovers of vodka. Swiss are watching, checking their watches, Australians are drinking and toasting, and Canadians are traveling, Guns on the ready, but rarely used, unlike the Americans...

Artistically. Oxford dictionaries describes this as sensitive and appreciative to art and beauty. So thats what Ive been up to for the last six weeks. Appreciating the art and beauty that lies hidden in each and every one of us. Ive acting, writing, modelling (sorta), and directing is to come pretty soon. I am currently to begin my degree course at kenyatta University, B.A Film technology and Theater arts

I have always been a student of the arts. Since the first time I ever acted. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 12 years old, final year primary school. It was an English lesson, role playing. There was no script. I was to play a drunk irresponsible father who'd gotten home to his starving wife and children. was rather funny since I was supposedly drunk, and my wife was 4' inches taller than I. I could have been beaten up any time #nyeristyle but luckily it didn't happen. At the end, Id fallen in love with acting...

 Every professional actor needs a professional headshot and true to this, I had mine taken at Gash Studios, Bishan Plaza, Westlands. Booked by Gerald Langiri, the actor and administrator of kenyan acting information website  www.actors.co.ke , link provided. The shoot went well and yes here is the photo. Please note the stubble of hair in roughly the same region as where a beard ought to be., hehe..


If you are a Director, Producer,Writer, or Actor, looking for provision of acting and writing services and also  interested in an ally in the professional world of art, dont hesitate to contact me. Email me at   dennisvongichuki@gmail.com


I took an acting class three weeks ago, at Acting for Cinema training Workshop. Actors are the most interesting people alive. I mean, its our job to keep you interested, the same way its the DJ's job to keep you partying. So an acting class is the most interesting class ever. With desk mates like Faith Kybathy, Haroun Risa, transport by Molline 'Mololine' Dove and camera men like Erick Muriuki, what more could one ask for? It was hosted by Director Neil Schell and Actress Nini Wacera.Was a mind blowing experience. Neil has acted in movies such as A-team and watchmen and TV series like Fringe. Locally, he has Directed TV series such as Saints and higher Learning. And guess who is going to direct feature film My Life In Crime, the movie based on John Kiriamiti's book? No its not Christopher Nolan, Its Neil Schell. I am thoroughly convinced that done with Neil's level of perfection, This will be an Oscar winning Film. I am very intrested in providing acting services for My Life In Crime  Jack Zollo Is Back!!! 

L-R. Nini Wacera, Dean Gichukie, Neil Schell.

Chalk Graffiti in the Background done by Haroun Risa.

 
 Yesterday was the sixteenth anniversary of the death of Tupac Shakur, The greatest Rapper Ever. He achieved so much, at the age of 25. His music still resonates with todays generation 16 years later. And to celebrate his life and legacy, ill leave you with three photos to commemorate his life. The three are, in my consideration among his most powerful words. True, Life is a wheel of fortune, and Its my Turn to spin it. Wether were black or White, It doesn't matter. Coz were Human.

 I Attended a script writing symposium hosted by Dwayne Johnson Cochran, hollywood writer and Director, at the Kenya National theatre, Ukumbi Mdogo. Facilitators of the event were Hot sun Foundation represented by Pamela Collet and Kenya Film Commision. It was an eye opener, into this amazing industry, of telling stories. At The end of the day, after all the sweat and hard work, I'm doing one simple thing. Telling Stories.

Relaxing, on set. Lies that bind

Shooting on the set of 'lies that bind'. Was a rather interesting experience since it was my first time on set.Had a rather interesting role, that of a political goon. Okay, before you inform Mr Kibunjia that this writer is spreading hate speech, slow down, take a deep breath and let me explain. A political goon is one of those guys who storm the political meetings held by their employers opposition. In this case, it was a 'kina mama' harambee. I know, I'm not helping my case but I had a lot of fun considering its not everyday I get to storm meetings, hehe. Later I got the chance to network with my fellow actors and even took tea, provided by the above mentioned kina mama. Moral of the story, its never that serious.

The tana massacre has shocked each and every one of us. Tana river is gushing with blood. Over 100 killed in the most macarbe circumstances in three bouts of madness in one month. Children are among those killed, and their only crime' that took them to an early grave is being seen to be tomorrow's warriors. Also killed are hapless women and old men, entrapped in their homes by gun wielding raiders whose mission is to ring them in their homes  so that the hatchet mencan strike those fleeing their bursts of gunfire at the doorstep. Lets say a prayer, a silent one, that the bloodshed may cease.




Nairobi Half Life. The one Film that is changing the Kenyan Movie scene. The story of  Mwas (Joseph Wairimu) of A young aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming a sucess in the big city. In pursuit of this and to the chagrin of his brother and parents, he makes his way to Nairobi, the city of opportunity. Veteran actors such as Nini Wacera, Mugambi Nthiga and Eddy Kimani rub shoulders with the new and equally talented Nancy Wanjiku and Wilfred Olwenya who plays Oti. Sadly, I have not (yet) watched the movie. But I have watched the trailer and bugged enough of my friends about it to consider myself a worthy fan.It won best actor award, for Joseph Wairimu's portrayal of Mwas, at the Dublin International Film Festival. Kudos to David 'Tosh' Gitonga, the director, and

TOOT THY OWN HORN

To all artists, to all achievers, and everyone who wants to build him/herself in this new age. You will get Fans, acquaintances, Worshipers, Admirers, stalkers, critics, haters, and all sort of personalities in this industry, some good, some bad. Some loyal, some evil. But you are not allowed to EVER, EVER   



                                                                 
                                                                  Have a lovely day. 

A film-able day.

Yours,
Dean Gichukie.