KenyaBuzz February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

Season For

Love

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February 2019 | What’s Hot

.com

What’s HOT in GURU RANDHAWA LIVE IN NAIROBI DIAMOND PLAZA II FEBRUARY 2ND

KENYA SKILLS SHOW KICC FEBRUARY 8TH

The highly-rated Punjabi singer is bringing his smash hit tracks to entertain you Live in Nairobi.

A hands-on exhibition of technical, vocational, selfemployment and life skills training opportunities for the youth.

10TO4 MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE NGARE NDARE FOREST FEBRUARY 15TH Raising money for Mount Kenya Trust, riders start at an altitude of 10,000ft and drop through alpine moorlands, forests, and game-filled plains to end on a private wildlife conservancy at 4,000ft.

NOBODY CAN STOP REGGAE: RICHIE SPICE KICC FEBRUARY 16TH

Nobody Can Stop Reggae (N.C.S.R) is a concept curated by The Hype Group Limited for all lovers of Reggae music.

SAFARICOM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL KASARANI CENTRE FEBRUARY 17TH

Two-time Grammy award winner Marcus Miller will headline the Safaricom Jazz International Festival.

LAMU ART FESTIVAL LAMU FEBRUARY 21ST-24TH

A four-day weekend of art and music, Lamu town, Shela village & Manda beach.

KENYABUZZ A NATION MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION 25 PARKLANDS ROAD NAIROBI

MANAGING EDITOR: TIM MWORIA EDITORS: JACQUELINE KENDI | FLORA M’MBONE CREATIVE DESIGNER: BENJAMIN SITUMA COVER DESIGNER: BRIAN MUNENE

LKA 52ND CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW EAKC FEBRUARY 23RD-24TH

A great place to learn more about your favourite pet, meet breeders and for juniors to learn about dog handling.

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS: LENA ANYUOLO I MAUREEN KASUKU | TEDDY MURAYA | FLORA M’MBONE ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: CAROLINE MULU | RODRICKS OIDI

CONTACT US: PHONE (SALES): +254 727 288 036 EMAIL (FEEDBACK): INFO@KENYABUZZ.COM TWITTER: @KENYABUZZ

FASHION HIGH TEA ZEN GARDEN FEBRUARY 16

The Fashion High Tea is the hottest fashion ticket in Nairobi, bringing together exceptional local and international designers to showcase their beautiful collections.

February 2019 | Events VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS

Valentine’s Day Dinner: DoubleTree

by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham, February 14th, 6pm. Enjoy a romantic evening with a customized 4 course menu, bubbles, live music & surprise gifts. admin@ doubletreenairobi.co.ke Paint & Sip Valentine’s Edition: Kenya Cultural Centre, February 15th, 5pm. Grab your beau or your bestie and join us for a relaxing evening of delectable wine and bitings, all while painting your next masterpiece. craftasticeventdecor@gmail.com Valentine Edition Zipline Tour: Kereita Forest, February 16th, 7am.

Kipfit Adventures we are inviting you for a Valentines Edition Zipline Tour. 0711 182331.

Lovers’ Dinner: Laico Regency Hotel, February 16th, 6pm. Dinner for married couples hosted

by Destiny Life Church Syokimau. 0791 399466.

FASHION

Fashion High Tea: Zen Gardens, February 16th, 2pm. Featuring a captivating fashion show, stylish shopping booths and much more. info@zengarden.co.ke odAOMO Collection Launch – DUNIA: The Village Market, February 9th, 12pm. You are invited to join us for the launch of our much anticipated Dunia Collection. inquiries@odaomo.com Light Mr & Miss Autism 2019 Auditions: Sportsview Hotel Kasarani, February 16th, 9am. A call out for models to audition to take part in the fashion show this April.

0712 834854.

Touch of a Goddess: Michael Joseph Centre, February 23rd, 12pm. Runway fashion show and live music perfomances by super dope ladies;musicians as well as designers..

FOOD & WINE

Nordic Gourmet Dinner: TNR Trust, February 9th, 7pm. Join us for an amazing gourmet dinner prepared by two ‘Nordic’ supporters. 0743 618892.

MUSIC

Twaweza Live Nairobi: The Carnivore Restaurant, February 2nd, 7am. Join us as we have fun and create great memories. Nairobi we are bringing the party to you!

Soul Session: Coffee Casa, February 2nd, 5pm. Introducing Soul Session! The new monthly show that combines acoustic music and poetry in an intimate setting at Coffee Casa every first Saturday of the month. inkoverflow.ke@gmail. com Bringing Back Rock in the 254: Crooked Q, February 2nd, 7pm. An amazing monthly Rock concert with local and international bands, DJ Edy Grim of XFM and DJ Tumz of Capital FM. At a gungy venue in the heart of Westlands.

Guru Randhawa Live in Nairobi: Diamond Plaza, February 2nd, 7pm.

Lock your date for a night of chart topping tracks exclusively at the Guru Randhawa Kenya Tour 2019.

0721390450, 0735512129.

Kenya Nights pres. Marco Bailey: MUZE, February 2nd, 10pm. Marco Bailey is considered an icon when it comes to Techno and the dance music industry as a whole. riz@kenyanights.com Live Acoustic

www.

Wednesday Featuring Frankie Maston: Ankolle Grill, February 6th, 8pm. Frankie is an artist from Tanzania with an unmatched vocal prowess that radiates long lasting impressions. admin@ankole.co.ke Roots Intl presents Qwela (Uganda): J’s Pub and Restaurant, February 7th, 8pm. Their unique sound is derived from the mix of different musical backgrounds of all the members against a backdrop of their African cultural background.

Nairobi Rocks Music Festival: Carnivore Simba Saloon, February 9th, 8pm. Ferocious Dog return to Nairobi to play the legendary Simba Saloon for a night of rock music supported by Rash, Refuge and Rish.

Roots Intl presents Mandla Mlangeni (South Africa) TNL: J’s Pub & Restaurant, February 14th, DJ Satelite is an ambassador of the new Angolan sound as well as one of the pioneers of African Electronic Music.

Nobody Can Stop Reggae Richie Spice Live: KICC, February 16th, 7pm. Richie Spice will be live in Nairobi.

Backyard Bass: Lady Leshurr: MUZE, February 16th, 8pm. The UK queen of Grime and Hip Hop will grace Kenya. info@muzeclub.com Safaricom International Jazz Festival: Kasarani Training Centre, February 17th, 12pm. Two-time Grammy award winner Marcus Miller will headline the Safaricom Jazz International Festival.

Jazz Concert: Christine Kamau and Slatec: Goethe-Institut, February 20th, 7pm. Joining us for an evening of good jazz tunes will be the German techno jazz group SLATEC and the talented Kenyan trumpeter and composer Christine Kamau. info@ nairobi.goethe.org Roots Intl presents SOFAZ (Reunion): J’s Pub & Restaurant, February 21st, 8pm. Sofaz looks like the Reunion island, as a melting-pot of cultures where songs, music, dance and poetry tell common dreams and reality, hopes and angers, and sublimate transe to link and relieve us.

KIDS

Puppet and Magic Show: Leleshwa Getaway, February 3rd, 12pm. It’s all the fun you’ve come to expect all year long for our monthly “First Sundays”. reservations@leleshwa. co.ke Lego Movie Premiere: Anga Diamond, February 9th, 11am. Join the young engineers group in watching this exciting movie for the whole family. 0701 415987.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Book Launch – ‘Art of Unlearning’

by Chief Nyamweya: Goethe-Institut, February 7th, 6pm. A masterfully illustrated graphic novel about a young adventurer, Gituma, who is unable to overcome a traumatic past and realize his creative potential. info@artofunlearning.com Hack My Bible Challenge: United States International University, February 22nd, 6pm. This two-day event purposes to bring together individuals from different areas of specialization to brainstorm and come up with ideas of what the Bible of the future will look like. info@biblesociety-kenya.org The Ladies Kennel Association 52nd Championship Dog Show: East Africa Kennel Club, February 23rd, 9am. The judge will be Anne Ingram (UK).

SPORTS

Water Rafting & Water Plunge at River Sagana, Jangwani Camp: Rapids Camp Sagana, February 2nd, 7am. Join us for the perfect water adventure. travel@ easemysafari.com Fit-a-Palooza Fitness Festival: The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, February 2nd, 8am. Fitness Activities: Aerial Silks, Boot Camp, Cross Fit, Taebo, Zumba, Yoga/Pilates. fitapalooza@gmail.com Karura Forest Cycling & Networking Event: Karura Forest, February 2nd, 2pm. Cycle or simply sit quietly and experience the serenity of nature in all its diversity. support@jbdiscoveries. com

FEATURING ALL YOUR FAVOURITE DELICACIES ACCOMPANIED BY BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN COCKTAILS AND MUSIC BY IN-HOUSE DJ

Bottomless Brunch From KES 1900/= Bottomless Brunch Bottomless Brunch with unlimited Bombay Gin Cocktails Bottomless Brunch plus a Bottle of Bombay Gin/ Champagne

FOR RESERVATION CALL US

T & C Apply

0705466836 / 0736568610

info@thebigfivebreweries.com

BREW ROOFTOP, FORTIS TOWERS

WWW.THEBIGFIVEBREWERIES.COM

Britam Kenyan Guineas: Ngong Racecourse and Golf Park, February 3rd, 12pm. Join us for this fun filled family event with horse racing.

10to4 Mountain Bike Challenge: Ngare Ndare Forest, February 15th, 7am. Riders start at an altitude of 10,000ft and drop through alpine moorlands, forests, and game-filled plains to end on a private wildlife conservancy at 4,000ft. 0741 770789.

Karen Triathlon, Duathlon & Kids Aquathlon: Karen Track & Fitness Club, February 17th, 6am. A great event for beginners wanting to try the sport for the first time or for more experienced athletes looking to start the season off with a short and friendly race.

THEATRE & STAGE

Love & Feelings - Saturday Night Comedy: The Blues Restaurant Barclays Plaza, February 2nd, 8pm.

Being the month of love, the next show is themed Love & Feelings and you can be sure those topics will be discussed. 0717 389188.

The Comedy Jam: Que Pasa Bar & Bistro, February 7th, 6pm. This event brings together the top English comedians in Nairobi for a two-hour session of fresh, honest, no-holds-barred comedy.

Tricher: Kenya National Theatre, February 8th, 2pm. Every day we wake up to the same words, the same battles and the same results; will the process ever end? liquidartsentertainment@gmail. com Going Gufy – Poetry Reading: Michael Joseph Centre, February 9th, 6pm. Gufy,

renowned for his vulnerability while on stage, is out to channel his poetry through the introduction of visuals, bad puns and music to accentuate his message.

The Lone Falcon: Kenya National Theatre, February 14th, 7pm. An unlikely love story that defies tradition and is well worth your time and money.

Because You Said So!: The Junction Mall, February 16th, 4pm. Kenya’s first ever improv comedy show is back for another rib-cracking edition. info@becauseyousaidso. com Story Party Nairobi | True Dating Stories: Kenya Cultural Centre, February 18th, 8pm. The awardwinning Story Party Tour has played to sold out audiences all over the world.

YOGA, WELLNESS & MEDITATION

Power Yoga: Mom 360 Support, February 2nd, 2pm. This is the place where we unwind with impact. Keep your fitness in check and become a mental health ambassador. mental360kenya@ gmail.com Free Yoga in City Park: Nairobi City Park, February 3rd, 3pm. A different form of yoga shall be taught at the hidden jewel that is City Park! info@ yogakenya.org Two-Day Silent Retreat: Manyika House, Thika, February 1st-3rd & 8th-10th, 6.45am-7pm, Ksh 24,300.

Would you like to experience some peace and quiet and get the time and space to go within? Join a Silent meditation retreat set in a beautiful green space. 0727 388809.

.com EXPOSITIONS

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IEC Study Abroad Expo 2019: Laico Regency, February 1st, 10am. Come meet university representatives from UK, USA, Canada, Malaysia, Cyprus, India, Ukraine & Russia. info@ ieduconsultants.com 1st Nairobi Makeup-Palooza: KICC, February 2nd, 8am. A blowout sale event where all the cosmetics will sell for over 50% off.

Naivasha Farmers’ Market: Longonot Farm, February 2nd, 11am. A glorious day of sunshine, shopping, socializing and stuffing yourself. naivashafarmersmarket@gmail.com Organic Farmers Market: Two Rivers, February 6th, 10am. Join us every Wednesday starting and discover how you can take the step to a wholesome healthy living and be part of the green movement.

Cabrio Ruiru Coffee Fair: Jacaranda Hotel, February 7th, 11am. The event brings together input suppliers, farmers, coffee marketers, researchers, and government officials.

Kenya Skills Show 2019: KICC, February 8th, 9am. A hands-on exhibition of technical, vocational, self-employment and life skills training opportunities for youth.

The Barrels Whiskey Expo: The Elephant, February 16th, 12pm. The event will feature the best whiskies from the country’s greatest distilleries, focusing on each exhibitor’s premium whiskey. info@jamiemedia.co.ke Trade Mission: Kilifi Plantations, February 18th, 8am. You are invited to join our Trade Mission from The Netherlands to Kilfifi County. info@ agriken.nl

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February 2019 | Lifestyle

.com

Coupledom: Natalie & Rnaze BY: MAUREEN KASUKU

day, no one could separate us.

Couplegoals Lifestyle Vlogger and Instagram star, Natalie ‘Tewa’ Wangechi and Visual Artist, Rnaze let us in on where they met, crazy stans, their fave baecation and what they’ll be up to this Valentine’s.

Who made the first move?? Haha, ME!

#

KB: When and where did you meet?

Was it love at first sight? Who made the first move?

Natalie: Hahaha, now that is a story and a half. We probably can’t tell you the full story right now, but it will be in a Vlog very soon.

But in short, one day (October 17th, 2017) I was invited to a photoshoot by 2 girlfriends of mine (Steph & Salma). I was reluctant to go and we were super late…plus I had a Natural Hair event to attend at the same time. When we got there, I was pleasantly surprised by this tall, dark & handsome man staring back at me. Plus his accent…mama Mia. During the photoshoot, we had a few incredibly long & intense glances at each other.

Long story short, it sort of felt like love at first sight because after that

KB: Natalie, you’re known as the hot Architect turned vlogger.

Rnaze, You’re the CEO of Strut It Afrika and visual artist. How do y’all handle the crazy stans in your DMs and real life who don’t know what boundaries are? Does Social media insanity impact your relationship?

Crazy stans! Team mafisi are everywhere but we are very focused on building ourselves. We respect each other so much that we don’t direct our energy to any distractions. We share a lot on social media but also keep a huge part of our personal life private. So when it comes to ‘team mafisi’ online, we don’t have any problems.

KB: You’re one of the most goodlooking couples on the ‘gram.

You’ve got to let us in on your workout regimen.

Special diet?

Natalie: Haha, thank you! We go to the gym

together every morning, but we have different training programmes.

I focus on resistance training and a little bit of cardio for a toned body.

Rnaze focuses on heavy resistance training for building muscle mass. I’m trying out a new eating programme named Intermittent Fasting which has a number of benefits including fat loss.

Rnaze: My diet is mainly high protein, low carbs, low fats and lots of fibre. We also supplement our diet with whey protein, creatine and multi-vitamins.

KB: What do you love most about your bae?

Natalie: hmm, so many things to love about him, but honestly my favorite thing is his caring heart. He looks like a macho man, Mr tough guy but deep inside he really is the sweetest, kindest man. Especially to the people he cares most deeply about.

Rnaze: Honestly, I have a thousand things I love about her, but in this case I would have to say her ability to light up my day, even when I have a really dark cloud hovering over me. She not only makes

me smile, but also makes me strive to be a better person.

Keep it PG. We are a family paper.

Lol

KB: Which celebrity couple is #goals for y’all?

Hahaha….

Will Smith & Jada!

Woke, succesful and are amazing parents. A reflection of who we want to be.

KB: This is just for laughs. Celebrity crushes?

Natalie: American Actor, Jason Momoa Rnaze: South African Influencer, Mihlali Ndamase KB: Date night. What’s it like? Eat out? Netflix and chill?

A bit of both, but we would pick Netflix & Chill with ice cream & brownies over anything…any day.

KB: Natalie, what’s your fave Romcom movie?

Passengers with Chris Pratt & Jennifer Lawrence.

KB: What’s your fave couple pastime activity?

Netflix & Chill KB: Y’all travel A LOT! What’s your most memorable baecation?

Natalie: My first trip to Uganda last year. The food was amazing!

Rnaze: I would have to say the same. It felt good taking her home and we had an UNFORGETTABLE experience.

KB: What’s your dream vacation?

Natalie: Bali Rnaze: Santorini KB: Can y’all let us in on how you’ll be spending Valz 2019 or is that “hush hush”? And what does Valentine’s day mean to you?

We are thinking of taking a short trip to Entim Sidai in Karen.

It’s a beautiful location. Very serene and peaceful. We loved staying there last year

e n i t n e l a V m u r d Ditch the Hum

BY FLORA M’MBONE As Valentines approaches, you may be planning to take your love out for the usual dinner and a movie, which isn’t a bad thing but can get monotonous.

Why not try something different this year? Something that shows you have put some thought into the date and what your partner might enjoy. We have some suggestions for all wallet sizes to help you ditch the humdrum Valentine.

THE EXPERIENTIAL VALENTINES Volunteer Together

Valentines is all about love and spreading/sharing the love. Visit a children’s home or a home for the elderly or indulge in any community project you are passionate about. What a beautiful way to bond with your datespending time together giving back to your community and putting a smile on someone’s face.

Stargazing Stargazing is one of the coolest and most romantic things you will ever do and you don’t have to be an astrologist to appreciate the wonders of the heavenly bodies with someone you love.

Whether it’s a cosy setup at the

back of your pickup truck or a picnic in an open field (try Moi International Sports Centre), aim your telescope at the stars and see how many you can identify or better, yet name them after each other. If you cannot get your hands on a telescope, download either of my favorite stargazing apps; Star Walk 2 or Sky view. Another option would be to visit a planetarium; the only one in Kenya is located at The Hub Karen.

EASY ON THE POCKET Brewery Tour

Rather than going out for a couple of drinks, how about you and your loved one go for a tour of a brewery or a manufacturing plant. Brew Bistro and Leleshwa Wines are at the top of the list.

Depending on your preferences visit a local brewery of winery and learn the craftsmanship involved in making your favorite drink as you get your taste buds

tingling from different varieties they have to offer.

Attend a Game

Get tickets to a rugby, volleyball or other game that both you and your partner enjoy and cheer for your favorite team together. This is a wonderful way to bond with your crush.

LAP OF LUXURY Sunset Dhow Head to the coast and rent a dhow for a sunset cruise for just the two of you with a chef and waiter and candlelit dinner.

The beautiful sky, the humid air on your face and the sound of ocean water splashing- what

February 2019 | Lifestyle

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because it gives us a chance to connect away from all the noise.

doing a Natalie and Rnaze reality show?

KB: Rnaze, if you had only 1000 bob where would you take Natalie? Your ‘Travelling to Mombasa on a budget’ vlog was popular so this should be easy peasy.

Yes definitely! Maybe a YouTube Tv show like Will Smith has with his family, it would have to be on our own terms though!

Haha, wow. You got me cornered on this one.

I would take 700 Bob off to buy some good ingredients and I would cook her a meal that would blow her away.

Then I would pack it up, get some dessert for 300 bob plus a candle or two and I would take her for a candle lit picnic in the best spot I can.

KB: Natalie, does Rnaze always remember birthdays, anniversaries, date nights or do you have to hit him up like ‘babe, do you know what day it is’?

.com

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KB: Rnaze, is the pressure on to cuff Natalie for life?

Rnaze: Yes of course. But all in God’s time.

KB: Natalie, would you consider relocating to Uganda and build an empire with Rnaze?

Natalie: Moving to Uganda…tricky… but definitely have an amazing home in Kampala, I absolutely love the place.

Follow Natalaie & Rnaze on Instagram @natalietewa @rnaze

He is very good with such things actually! Sometimes better than me KB: Would you ever consider

QUICK FIRE: What’s sexier? 90s R&B or Early 2000s?

Natalie: Early 2000s Rnaze: Early 2000s Sweet or Savoury Snacks?

could be more romantic?

Hot Air Balloon Safari

on Kenya is THE place to enjoy a hot air ballo ng getti sky the gh throu glide safari. You will a birds-eye view of the wild animals and the magnificent landscape below and your flight will be followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush- magical.

This is the year to show true appreciation for your loved one by tailoring a unique and unforgettable Valentine’s date for them.

Natalie: Sweet Rnaze: Sweet Champagne or Wine?

Natalie: Wine!

Rnaze: Wine…but Whisky after

please.

Movie night or go clubbing?

Natalie: Movie night and clubbing Rnaze: Movie Night then go clubbing

MY GRANDMOTHER AND ME Reflections of Her Love on Valentine’s Day

BY LENA ANYUOLO

K

hukhu’s memory comes to me in fragments. In one of these flashbacks, I am about ten years old, biting my tongue as she leans over me trying to remove a thorn lodged in the heel of my foot.

On the chair beside me is plastic tin full of mushrooms from our ‘trip’ to the kitchen garden to forage for mushrooms. In another, I am absent-mindedly listening to her try to explain the medicinal value of the plants growing behind the kennel.

In yet another memory, she places a large scoop of sim sim paste next to the vegetables on my plate before passing me my share of ugali.

I spent all my childhood holidays in shagz and every holiday my experience was different. When I was younger, it was an endless adventure limited only by my imagination. My cousins and I would

play ‘matatu’ in the old granary, transform the trips to the river into odysseys fraught with all kinds of monsters and obstacles that needed to be overcome, and dusk ushered a thrilling game of hide and seek under a pitch black sky filled with stars.

When turbulent puberty hit, I’d spent listless afternoons under the shade of the jacaranda tree and evenings in khukhu’s bedroom. She would speak with nostalgia about her days working as a nurse in Maseno and it was fascinating to watch her so completely engrossed in the memories that she would sometimes forget I was in the room. I learnt a lot about indigenous medicine from her and the consistency that is necessary for the home remedies to work.

Khukhu was empathetic to a fault.

Always one to see the best in others, she would cover for my mischievousness so that I would not

get in trouble with my mother. My grandmother passed away a few years ago and even though I can’t spend evenings at the foot of her bed listening to stories about her youth, I still carry her memory

in the scent of menthol balm, the stickiness of sim sim paste on the roof of my mouth and the dark green pigment of the Guinea grass stain on my fingertips.

February 2019 | Lifestyle

www.

because it gives us a chance to connect away from all the noise.

doing a Natalie and Rnaze reality show?

KB: Rnaze, if you had only 1000 bob where would you take Natalie? Your ‘Travelling to Mombasa on a budget’ vlog was popular so this should be easy peasy.

Yes definitely! Maybe a YouTube Tv show like Will Smith has with his family, it would have to be on our own terms though!

Haha, wow. You got me cornered on this one.

I would take 700 Bob off to buy some good ingredients and I would cook her a meal that would blow her away.

Then I would pack it up, get some dessert for 300 bob plus a candle or two and I would take her for a candle lit picnic in the best spot I can.

KB: Natalie, does Rnaze always remember birthdays, anniversaries, date nights or do you have to hit him up like ‘babe, do you know what day it is’?

.com

5

KB: Rnaze, is the pressure on to cuff Natalie for life?

Rnaze: Yes of course. But all in God’s time.

KB: Natalie, would you consider relocating to Uganda and build an empire with Rnaze?

Natalie: Moving to Uganda…tricky… but definitely have an amazing home in Kampala, I absolutely love the place.

Follow Natalaie & Rnaze on Instagram @natalietewa @rnaze

He is very good with such things actually! Sometimes better than me KB: Would you ever consider

QUICK FIRE: What’s sexier? 90s R&B or Early 2000s?

Natalie: Early 2000s Rnaze: Early 2000s Sweet or Savoury Snacks?

could be more romantic?

Hot Air Balloon Safari

on Kenya is THE place to enjoy a hot air ballo ng getti sky the gh throu glide safari. You will a birds-eye view of the wild animals and the magnificent landscape below and your flight will be followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush- magical.

This is the year to show true appreciation for your loved one by tailoring a unique and unforgettable Valentine’s date for them.

Natalie: Sweet Rnaze: Sweet Champagne or Wine?

Natalie: Wine!

Rnaze: Wine…but Whisky after

please.

Movie night or go clubbing?

Natalie: Movie night and clubbing Rnaze: Movie Night then go clubbing

MY GRANDMOTHER AND ME Reflections of Her Love on Valentine’s Day

BY LENA ANYUOLO

K

hukhu’s memory comes to me in fragments. In one of these flashbacks, I am about ten years old, biting my tongue as she leans over me trying to remove a thorn lodged in the heel of my foot.

On the chair beside me is plastic tin full of mushrooms from our ‘trip’ to the kitchen garden to forage for mushrooms. In another, I am absent-mindedly listening to her try to explain the medicinal value of the plants growing behind the kennel.

In yet another memory, she places a large scoop of sim sim paste next to the vegetables on my plate before passing me my share of ugali.

I spent all my childhood holidays in shagz and every holiday my experience was different. When I was younger, it was an endless adventure limited only by my imagination. My cousins and I would

play ‘matatu’ in the old granary, transform the trips to the river into odysseys fraught with all kinds of monsters and obstacles that needed to be overcome, and dusk ushered a thrilling game of hide and seek under a pitch black sky filled with stars.

When turbulent puberty hit, I’d spent listless afternoons under the shade of the jacaranda tree and evenings in khukhu’s bedroom. She would speak with nostalgia about her days working as a nurse in Maseno and it was fascinating to watch her so completely engrossed in the memories that she would sometimes forget I was in the room. I learnt a lot about indigenous medicine from her and the consistency that is necessary for the home remedies to work.

Khukhu was empathetic to a fault.

Always one to see the best in others, she would cover for my mischievousness so that I would not

get in trouble with my mother. My grandmother passed away a few years ago and even though I can’t spend evenings at the foot of her bed listening to stories about her youth, I still carry her memory

in the scent of menthol balm, the stickiness of sim sim paste on the roof of my mouth and the dark green pigment of the Guinea grass stain on my fingertips.

6

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February 2019 | Movies

.com

COMING TO CINEMAS

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD When Hiccup discovers Toothless isn’t the only Night Fury, he must seek “The Hidden World”, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first.

EK LADKI KO DEKHA TOH AISA LAGA Some love stories are not simple, Sweety’s is one such story. She has to contend with her over-enthusiastic family that wants to get her married.

THE UPSIDE A comedic look at the relationship between a wealthy man with quadriplegia and an unemployed man with a criminal record who’s hired to help him.

THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART It’s been 5 years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: Lego invaders from outer space, wrecking faster than they can rebuild.

Release Date: 1st February 2019 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla

Release Date: 1st February 2019 Genre: Comedy, Drama Cast: Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman

Release Date: 8th February 2019 Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Cast: Chris Pratt, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa

WHAT MEN WANT A woman is boxed out by the men in her profession, but gains an unexpected edge over them when she develops the ability to hear men’s thoughts.

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL An action-packed story of one young woman’s journey to discover the truth of who she is and her fight to change the world.

GULLY BOY A coming-of-age story based on the lives of street rappers in Mumbai.

THE RHYTHM SECTION A woman seeks revenge against those who orchestrated a plane crash that killed her family.

Release Date: 8th February 2019 Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Tracy Morgan, Wendi McLendon-Covey

Release Date: 14th February 2019 Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance Cast: Rosa Salazar, Mahershala Ali, Christoph Waltz

Release Date: 14th February 2019 Genre: Drama, Music, Romance Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin

Release Date: 22nd February 2019 Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller Cast: Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown

Release Date: 1st February2019 Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Cast: Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill

February 2019 | Movies

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Alita: Battle Angel Could Be the New Avatar

BY TIM MWORIA

A

lita: Battle Angel, an epic adventure of hope and empowerment based off a Japanese manga, is set to be the biggest February movie release across Kenyan cinemas.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) the movie boasts an A-list cast with the likes of Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) and Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious). It also lists Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron as a producer. This movie has been a passion project for him, so you know it will be a grand cinematic experience in the mold of his past blockbusters.

The plot follows Alita (Rosa Salazar) who awakens in an unrecognizable future world with no memory of who she is. She is taken in by Ido (Waltz), a compassionate doctor who realizes that somewhere in her abandoned cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past.

As Alita learns to navigate her new life, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious history. But it is only when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city come after Alita that she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control.

If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love. Will she?

Find out this coming February 15th when Alita: Battle Angel premieres in cinemas.

Get your tickets from www.kenyabuzz.com/movies

SF Kenya Buzz Valentines Day Print.pdf 1 15/01/19 10:54:22 AM

CELEBRATING

20

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OF

K1

FEBRUARY

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House

1 st, 8 TH K1 Battle of the & 15 TH DJ’S

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c j f

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February 2019 | Valentine’s

.com

Ask a Celeb

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSBYH? LENA ANYUOLO

Some of the top female artists on the 2019 season of Coke Studio Africa, which is set to hit TV screens this February, dish about their crushes.

Nazizi Lauded at home and beyond our e borders, Nazizi is a household nam s whose classics Kenyan Boy’ and Bles e plac a her red secu My Room have izi in Kenyan music’s hall of fame. Naz a), Afric th (Sou y Boit pairs up with a Lioness (Namibia) and producer Viol io Stud e Cok her for Karuri (Kenya) Africa debut. er, Her celebrity crush is Nigerian sing Tekno.

Viola Karuri Viola Karuri is a singer, songwriter and producer known for her viral Kiswahili cover of Despacito and her taarab single, Leo. Viola Karuri will lend her production finesse as one of the “Super 8” music producers working on the show.

Her celebrity crush is Nigerian singer, Flavour.

Mini Mars Following the footsteps of her sister Vanessa Mdee, Mimi Mars is making a name for herself in the Tanzanian music scene with her songs Kodoo and One night featuring Kagwe Mungai. She pairs up with King Saha (Uganda), Yared Negu (Ethiopia) and producer Daddy Andre (Uganda) in Coke Studio Africa’s Big Break Act segment.

Her celebrity crush is Nigerian singer, Burna Boy and J Balvin.

Nandy One of Tanzania’s biggest female artists, Nandy has proven to her audiences that she is here to stay. From her hits Ninogeshe and Aibu, to her second round at Coke Studio Africa, Nandy keeps proving to her audiences that she didn’t come to play. Her Coke Studio Africa artist collaboration is with Skales (Nigeria) and producer, GospelonDeBeatz (Nigeria).

Her celebrity crush is Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade.

NADIA MUKAMI She is Coke Studio Africa’s Big Break Act and one to watch in the Kenyan music scene. Her hits include African Lover and Si Rahisi.

Her Coke Studio Africa collaboration is with, Juma Jux (Tanzania), Shellsy Baronet (Mozambique) and producer Lizer (Tanzania).

Her celebrity crush is Kenyan actor, Nick Mutuma.

Sheebah With two studio albums and multiple awards under her belt, expect nothing short of an electrifying performance on Coke Studio Africa from this diva.

Sheebah pairs up with Harmonize (Tanzania) and producer Lizer (Tanzania) for her second stint on the show.

Her celebrity crush is former United States president, Barack Obama.

memories

made

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