Minneapolis was definitely the place most East Africans were a weekend ago to watch David Mathenge, famously known as Nameless, in concert. Performing at the Blue Nile restaurant, the artist showed up on stage dressed in shiny black pants, a white shirt and a sport coat.

The coat was quick to come off, and the shirt unbuttoned to the chest due to the heat brought about by the extensive crowd. Nameless began his concert with one of his high energy songs, Manner less that got the crowd wild and loud. Dj Kaydee, from Kenya matched up with the zealous performance presenting his skill amicably on the turntables.

Nameless whose popular songs include Sinzia, Ninanoki, Maisha, Furahiday, just to mention a few, has a knack to put down lyrics that are easy to remember, enjoyable and relatable. The large audience out to watch one of Kenya’s favorite performer sang along to the entertainers songs. The cheering and applauding to every word he spoke and dance gyration he made was deafening.

The front row next to the stage where I and other ladies were standing was a vantage point for me to watch the artist give a performance that was both interactive and very engaging. A few ladies got the opportunity to join Nameless on stage and dance with him. One catchy moment of the concert was when two ladies got on stage and performed a dance routine to Nameless’ song “Deadly”. The artist, though stunned by the sudden impromptu performance, joined in and the three seamlessly danced together, much to the audiences delight. His recently released song “Salary” which features a very well choreographed video has become a major hit with many. One fan who has mastered the choreography got on stage and excitedly danced to the song.

Nameless gave a performance that will well be remembered for long, just like his music. He took the opportunity to mention the late E-sir with whom he recorded the hit “Boomba Train”. It’s easy to see why he attracts so many to his shows. Nam... [Read More]

Popular for his hit single 'Nare' (Swahili slang word meaning Fire), Daddy V, a Kenyan artist who lives in Dallas is marking his territory in the music scene. He has kept busy in the past few years working incessantly on his music, which has resulted to his first CD album.

Daddy V began rapping at the young age of ten back home in Kenya. Through his teenage years he performed in various music competitions, always landing at the top. After graduating from high school, Daddy V got the opportunity to record a few of his songs, but due to some set backs the music went unreleased. Disappointed, Daddy V decided to take a short break from music with the hopes that things would somehow work out and he could later on pursue his passion. Shortly after, he moved to the States and hooked up with a friend who owned a recording studio.

The opportunity to continue his dream had arisen. While working on one of his songs, 'Nare', which unbeknownst to him would become a hit, he met founder of Kilimanjaro Records George Ndege, and together they embarked on the journey that has led to the birth of an album fittingly titled 'NARE'.

Daddy V has performed in different states promoting his music, though his most recent concert during Memorial Weekend in Dallas was a stand out performance. He recalls how honored he was to have the opportunity to share the same mic as Ritchie Spice who was one of the artists in the concert, as well as famous Kenyan artist and childhood acquaintance, Jua Kali.

Having seen Daddy V in concert in Minnesota, I will attest to his performances being energy filled, with catchy beats and tunes. His style of music is a mix of various genres like Reggae, Ragga and Genge, a style of Kenyan music. His new CD comprises of a number of collaborations with other artists like Wachera with whom he has done a number of songs and Innocent, a Tanzanian Reggae artist who resides in Minnesota.

The album is dedicated to his dad, who has always be... [Read More]

Last Saturday night, the place to have beenwas the Blue Nile Restaurant.

I got there around 11:30 p.m, psyched,excited and awaiting the performance of the night by Amani. A Kisima Awardwinner, Amani is the top female artist in E. Africaand most popularly known for her hit singles, "Bad boy, Ninanoki andMissing ma Baibe". When I got to Bue Nile, Dj KV was playing Zinazopendwa, old school African music, whichmy friends and I slowly danced to as we reminisced with each passing song.

DJ Chris then took over and played someKenyan music with a mix of reggae. Though the dance floor was not necessarilyfilled up, those of us dancing were really into the music and were fully enjoyingit.

Blade Brown and Baraka got onto the stageand performed a few songs. By this time, DJ Dan was at the turn tables mixingit up for the artists. With much emotion and passion, Blade Brown urged theaudience to participate in his performance and delivered quite a remarkableact. After a short break, the show stopper of the night, Amani, dressed in aturquoise dress that highlighted her beautiful figure, got on the stage singing.

The crowd, eager and anticipating herperformance unanimously screamed in glee and excitement. She did not disappoint,singing and enticing the audience with her dance moves and melodic voice.Amani, entertaining and highly energetic, carried the crowd and delivered songafter song.

She sang, she danced, she communicated,joked with the audience and invited a few of them on the stage with her. Herspace was everyone’s space and she made all feel included. Performing a few ofher songs from her new album Tamani, Amani brought out her soulful voice andfun side with her music. She kept the audience captivated and entertainedthrough the night.

With cameras flashing everywhere and peoplereaching out to touch her, Amani's celebrity status was obvious but did not getto her as she signed copies of her CD and took pictures with many of her ... [Read More]

The organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM) held a customary inaugural dinner and ball this past Saturday at Cedar's Hall in Minneapolis. The ball which started with guests arriving at 5:30pm was in honor of now OLM President Kerper A. Dwanyen. Dressed in beautiful gowns, suits and traditional wear, OLM Board members, the Vice President Andrew G. Tehmeh, Tribal Elders and President Kerper Dwanyen walked the red carpet into the hall where those gathered applauded in warm welcome.

The soft light hall had round tables surrounding a huge wood tiled dance floor. A long table at the head of the room held the members of the OLM and guest speaker Congressman, Minnesota 5th District, Keith Ellison. The evening begun with a word of prayer by Rev. Geraldine Freeman, before a dinner that consisted of salad, chicken with stir-fried rice and drinks. Traditional Liberian music playing in the background as people enjoyed dinner and small talk.

OLM was formed over thirty years ago by the Liberian community in Minnesota, with the intention of assisting families intergrrate into the American lifestyle, as well as build networks to maintain relations and livelihood amongst each other.

A vibrant voice suddenly burst through the speakers, as a young woman, Tarloh Quiwonkpa accompanied by Cross Atlantic Crew, took to the floor performing dances to Liberian songs. Tarloh danced with vigor and purpose as her soulful voice drew the audience into the music. Though not Liberian, I could easily sense the bond of togetherness among those gathered at Cedar Hall. Congressman Ellison who was the guest speaker of the evening, took to the podium after the exciting musical performance. Congressman Ellison has been very involved in the Liberian Community over the years and helped push for the extension of the temporary permanent status, when Liberians had been asked to go back to their home country.

His speech was received with great applause, espec... [Read More]

I want peace in Kenya
And as a Kenyan I have every right to ask for that.
And you Mr. President have the given duty
To ensure I get it.

I want peace in Kenya
Because you Mr. President are going to bed
Resting comfortably in my share of peace
While I cry, I grow angrier, I feel helpless
As I watch my mother, my brother, my grandmother
My cousin, my friend, my neighbor
Die, loose all and become
A people of despair
A people of rage
A people of hate
A people they are not!!!
I want peace!

I want peace,
Just as you do my friend.
Put down that Machete
Set aside the anger, the urge to violence
And let us take a moment to converse.
Sit with me my fellow Kenyan
Because you and I are Kenya.
You and I build this nation.
It is home.
It is our home,
It is our children’s home.
We have always wanted a fair, non-corrupt government
But not had the pleasure of experiencing it yet.
What we have had is lives of fellow Kenyans lost
For a cause our government has never delivered.
So tell me my friend,
Should the fight be against you and me,
Or us against the government?
For our rights,
For our toil,
For the lives of our fellow Kenyans!!!
So let us march down the streets of Kenya, UNITED
To the members of parliament
To Mr. Opposer
To Mr. president
And let them know,
We want PEACE! We want PEACE!

I want peace,
You who we voted into parliament.
You who made promises to me and my fellow Kenyans
On all the positive changes we'd see.
On how you would fight to ensure our safety,
But now watch as thousands die...
I want my peace.

I want peace in Kenya
Because the lives that have been lost,
The homes that have been destroyed,
The businesses that are no more
Are as a result of you and your Opposer, M... [Read More]

Quiet Friday evening, I'm relaxing in my apartment and thinking of settling down to a movie, then calling it a night. But, just as the thought is formulating, my phone rings and by the end of a conversation filled with a lot of squealing and laughter, my plans have changed to attending a K-CI & JOJO concert. The event is taking place in downtown Minneapolis at Trocaderos Nightclub and restaurant which just recently opened. We get there shortly after nine o'clock and walk into the classy high-end nightclub.

The night is certainly beginning well as I scan my very appealing surroundings. We get some drinks and walk towards the dance floor, inching as close to the brightly lit stage as possible. The VIP section which is upstairs is sparsely occupied as comfortable as it appears. One of my friends keeps yelling in my ear hardly able to contain her excitement at the prospect of watching the duo live in concert.

K-CI and JOJO, brothers originally from North Carolina were part of the R&B group Jodeci in the early nineties. However, it wasn't until later on when they became a duo that their fame reached new heights. Over the years they have released four albums, and numerous singles with the  "All my Life" single as the most popular.

The host of the evening appears on stage and this draws more people closer to the stage, each creepily trying to secure room for a good view. A few jokes into the event from the host, laughter, cheers, and screams from the audience and the show begins with the opening acts. Among the acts are: FA from West Africa, Chantel from Chicago and V.I.P.

Around eleven o'clock, the host finally gets on stage to introduce long awaited artists K-CI & JOJO. Amidst high pitched screams, the duo slowly walk on stage singing "I don't mind". K-CI dressed in an all black suit is at the front of the stage while JOJO is in a brown ... [Read More]

It's a blistering cold Sunday evening in Minnesota, but within the lobby of the Ordway Centre for the Performing Arts in downtown St. Paul, there is a warmth flowing through the chatter and excitement amongst the hundreds waiting to get tickets to the Angelique Kidjo concert. I have never been to the Ordway before, though countless times I've dreamed of dressing up and joining the many who come for Operas and concerts. Now here I am, standing in this beautiful, red carpeted, high ceiling, brightly lit lobby, ticket in hand.

My friends and I walk up the spiral stairs to the mezzainine floor where we are ushered into the auditorium amidst loud applause for Angelique Kidjo. We get comfortable as she introduces her next song. Most of the songs will be from her new album 'Djin Djin', she says in a french-beninese accent. She signals and the drummer starts to play the drums. Angelique dances with vigor and life before she begins singing. Her beautiful voice resonates in the filled auditorium accompanied by the guitars and percussion instruments. Up on the balcony, there are fans dancing to the music and song, but none can match up to the rythmic movement of Angelique's shoulders, torso, hips and legs as she dances from one end of the stage to the other. When the song comes to an end, there are screams, ululations as people applaud and cheer the perfromance. Song after song, Angelique is entertaining and captivating keeping with the momentum and high in energy. Between the perfrormances, she shares inspirational words on humanity, peace. love and she fondly speaks of Africa.     

Angelique Kidjo, began her music career at a very early age in Benin where she was born. Years later she relocated to Paris where her love and appreciation for music continued to grow and diverse. Through her music career, Angelique has released ten CD's, she's had numerous collaborations with various artists, has been nominated for four Grammys and ... [Read More]

Doors opened at 8:00pm and people started streaming in. I was excited and quite surprised that I was not at all nervous about hosting the tribute concert to Lucky Dube. The auditorium was well lit, decorated to a calm perfection with a spacious dance floor and stage. On one corner was a huge projector with music videos by Lucky Dube as well as short clips of interviews he carried out during the early years of his career.
The event began with a prayer by Reverand G. Freeman, then an introduction of the event by me, the host of the evening. The night celebration began with the house band, Cross Atlantic Crew, an all Liberian Afro Centric/Reggae band, that perfrormed a series of upbeat songs from their collection to get the crowd livened up. Jarija Afro Reggae band was up next, but not before we gave away a couple of Lucky Dube t-shirts that were a part of an on-going raffle through the night.

Present at the dedication concert was OLM president Mr. Kerper Dwanyen, who gave a short speech before artist Isaac Randolph with a trio of his dancers, took to the floor and entertained the crowd with Rap music and dance. After a short intermission where the DJ, Joseph Seibure, played some Reggae music, Innocent, a Reggae artist originally from Tanzania took to the stage. His energy and popular Lucky Dube music got the crowd jumping up and down on the floor. There was singing, dance, laughter, food and plenty to drink as everyone celebrated the life and music of Lucky Dube. SUNplugg'd was the last band to perform at the end of the night before the house band took over to close out the celebrations.