Update/Seminar: Different Seas, Different Histories? Reflections on the Western Indian Ocean, Jul. 6 2011 @ BIEA

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Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, Professor John Mack has with deep regret had to cancel his trip to Kenya and therefore his Seminar too (Different Seas, Different Histories?), which was scheduled for

Date: July 6, 2011
Venue: British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) Seminar Room, Laikippia Road, Kileleshwa
Speaker: Prof. John Mack, President of the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA)
Chair: Dr. Hassan Wario, Director of Museums, Sites & Monuments-National Museum of Kenya (NMK)
Entry: RSVP with Kerry (Kerry.kyaa@biea.ac.uk)
Tel. Contacts: 0735 260 004 or 0724 576 600

This seminar has been rescheduled to a later date and details will be communicated once we get them. Please accept apologies from BIEA.

The seminar discusses some of the arguments in the speaker’s recent book The Sea, A Cultural History. It begins by suggesting that seas have different characteristics which need to be taken into account in assessing the human engagement with them. Interpretations based on the Mediterranean or the North Sea have dominated interpretation of wider histories as have terrestrial understandings of what it means to be at sea. Topics discussed will include navigational practices, conceptions of the sea, trading practices and piracy. The occupation of Madagascar and the Swahili islands is instructive in terms of the implications of moving across the Equator. The mismatch between astrological systems and navigational knowledge, both based on observations of the stars, provides a suggestive conclusion.

Download Different seas, different histories poster and Map and Directions (pdf)

TEDxBraeburnSchools, Jul 2 2011 @ Braeburn School (Gitanga Rd)

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Why TED Talks? We need to intelligently reassess our systems of societal structure, education, and cultural narratives, and creatively think about the roles of morality, technology, human behaviour and collaborative civil society in our world. This event creates a space for open, exploratory dialogue to understand these issues, to ensure the diversity of our people and their thoughts are a source of intelligent constructive creativity rather than conflict.

At 10 for 10.30 to 12

Theme: The Internet in Society: Empowering or Censoring Citizens?

Beware of the online “filter bubbles”
As web companies strive to tailor their services (including news and search results) to our personal tastes, there’s a dangerous unintended consequence: We get trapped in a “filter bubble” and don’t get exposed to information that could challenge or broaden our worldview. Eli Pariser argues powerfully that this will ultimately prove to be bad for us and bad for democracy.

Does the internet actually inhibit, not encourage democracy? In this new RSA Animate adapted from a talk at the RSA, Evgeny Morozov presents an alternative take on ‘cyber-utopianism’ – the seductive idea that the internet plays a largely empancipatory role in global politics.
Exposing some idealistic myths about freedom and technology (during Iran’s ‘twitter revolution’ fewer than 20,000 Twitter users actually took part), Evgeny argues for some realism about the actual uses and abuses of the internet.

Join here to stay informed on TEDx events in Nairobi: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122852434404442

Kwani? Open Mic feat. Monaja & Valentine Ziki, Jul 5 2011 @ Club Soundd

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MC: Cindy Ogana.
Date: 5th July 2011.
Time: 7 -9 pm.
Venue: Club Soundd.
Entry: 100 Ksh.

Monaja
Monaja has gone from living abroad to adjusting to Nairobi life then readjusting to the countryside. He cites culture shock as a significant influence on his unorthodox musical style. “I think I’ve picked up a lot from the places I’ve grown up in, that’s why my music is very content-oriented and twisted.”
He grew up in Langata where his love for music blossomed, playing the piano while listening to musical greats like Dabrat, Shaggy, Fugees, Nas, Bone thugs ‘n’ harmony and Lost Boyz. Locally, he listened to Eric Wainaina, Shades ‘o’ Black and Poxi Presha.
He claims K-south Flava as his greatest musical influence.
He began performing in 2004 and went on to doing free shows at Florida 2000 and Club Skiliza in 2005, in Nairobi.
Monaja also hosts Nairobi’s Finest” every last Friday of the month at Dass restaurant.
Listen to his music on www.reverbnation.com/Monaja
Facebook fanpage – Monaja
twitter as @Monajamonj

Valentine Ziki
Valentine ZIKI is an actress, poet and musician.
Ziki has worked with some of Kenya’s most prolific directors and musicians; notably Eric Wainaina under the Rainmaker Company, George Mungai of the Phoenix Theater, Keith Pearson of Theater Company, Sterling Quality and more.
She has also been featured in MNET’s series ‘Changes’ and NTV’s ‘Guy Center’ and has composed music for jingles and stage plays.
Valentine Ziki represents a dynamic crop of emerging artistes in Kenya’s vibrant music scene. Her voice and style has a sultry and mellow touch, reminiscent of jazz and African artistes that have influenced her over the years. She is currently experimenting with different styles, creating a genre of music which she describes as Nu-soul.
She brings her music and poetry to life in a lively stage act around Nairobi’s entertainment hub, popularly known as SANAA FUSION. Hers is a mellow and soulful sound. She sings about love, life and the human condition & tells her story in Swahili, English and in her native Kikuyu.
Her first single “Nenda” has already received favorable reviews and she is set to release her debut album later this year.

Booking agent: Mambo Artssy: 254 725 816 126
Website: http://ziki-mylifeandmusic.blogspot.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/ziki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3A3Ec_xsdk

Networking Cocktail Party: Homecoming, Jul. 9 2011 @ Sierra Brasserie

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To the Returning Kenyan, The Adventurous Outlander and The Curious Globe Trotter…….Friends,
A one of a kind networking & Investment forum to toast to your successes, share your travels, meet your good prospects and dance to the future!

Enjoy a networking platform for Investors, Prospective Employers and key players in the ICT, Banking, Luxury Lifestyle, Real Estate, Fine Arts and Retail Industry for a night of sharing, fun and strategizing for the future…

WAMBI AWARDS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE BEST DRESSED.

Music: DJ PInye, Sauti Sol
MC: Joey Muthengi
Dress Code: Trendy Dazzle
Entrance is FREE!!!!!

Time: Saturday, July 9 · 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Location: Sierra Brasserie and Lounge- YaYa Centre.

Please R.S.V.P – There will be a strict guest list.

You can also call 0712-503-663, 0720-054-829, 0739-390-422 to reserve your spot!

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