July has been cold with the occasional sunny day that Nairobi likes to tease you with before yelling, “Syke!” and throwing you back into the freezer. According to the Nairobi Met, this weather will be with us throughout August. If you are not from around these parts please don’t make fun of peeps who find 14 degree celsius weather cold, we are children of the sun. Anyway, here are some amazing Friday Fresh culture plugs to warm you right up or keep you busy as you stay indoors next week (ifyky)…
Got next: Mutoriah
The Afrinado is absolutely loving Mutoriah, singing in Kiswahili, Agikuyu and English, he describes himself as an Afro electric pop artist and we are sooo here for it. Mutoriah has been on the scene since 2019 but he credits his Coke Studio debut as the push he needed to go full throttle with his music. Marrying electro house with a distinct Kenyan feel is no easy feat but Mutoriah does it with finesse. If this is the future of Kenyan music, we are all for it. Check out his album Happiness on Mutoriah.com
Stream or Skip: Country Queen
Kenya’s debut series on Netflix does not disappoint. Actors; Nini Wacera, Melvin Alusa, Melissa Kiplagat, Blessing Lungaho and the late Olwenya Maina, all bring their A+ game on this gripping drama. We wish it was longer than six episodes but at least this means you can binge in one sitting. Loved seeing experienced veterans like Raymond Ofula, Oliver Lutondo (who was just…chef’s kiss) and Mumbi Kaigwa giving great performances alongside the fresh faces. My vote, stream it! Trailer.
In the know: Rwanda to produce Methane gas from Lake Kivu
Fresh water Lake, Lake Kivu will be soon be producing methane gas as a fuel source for Rwanda. The country hopes to use the gas for cooking, vehicle and industrial use. The $400 million deal between Rwanda and the Gasmeth company was signed in February 2019, but delayed by the COVID pandemic. Production is expected to begin by end of 2023. Lake Kivu is one of three lakes in the world that has been identified as being possibly prone to limnic eruptions. Want to learn more? Geek out here: What is a limnic eruption?
Listen: BBC Podcast of the Year winner ‘Dear Daughter’
Ululations! The winner of BBC’s podcast of the year is Kenyan podcast, Dear Daughter by Namulanta Kombo. Inspired by her own need to write letters to her daughter as a guide to life, the podcast shares anecdotes, advice and experiences listeners would want to share with their own daughters. Have a listen on: Dear Daughter
Eat out: Mama Nilishe
If you have been looking for authentic Swahili cuisine in Nairobi, check out Mama Nilishe (translation: Mama Feed Me) opposite Adlife plaza in Kilimani. Pilau, Samaki wa Kupaka and the special we didn’t know we needed: Biriani Friday’s! Affordable and filling, it’s the kind of cooking that will have you happily fighting off a nap right after. Mama Nilishe also does deliveries via Glovo and Uber eats. Check them out:@mama_nilishe
The Afrinado Book Club: Nervous Conditions
Nervous Conditions is one book that, understandably, seems to enjoy a renaissance every two years or so since it was first published. The debut novel by Tsitsi Ndagereba is a classic in every sense of the word. If you haven’t read it get it and if you have check out this interview with the author on BBC’s World Book Club podcast.
Bash: The Passport Party
DJ Adrian, DJ John Rabar, G Money and Fully Focus will be spinning at Nairobi’s hottest block party, The Passport Experience at Junction Mall Rooftop on August 7. Party starts at 12pm and ends at 10pm sharp. Tickets available on Hustle Sasa.
That’s all Afrinados! Have a great month ahead and a peaceful election period.
Love it!!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
We are truly children of the sun. Now I know where to enjoy biriani in Nairobi. Thanks Naliaka!
Karibu! Thanks for stopping by!