Looking forward to kesho's gig for real. God go before us cos it's gonna be amazing. See you at Crescendo in Karen from 2. It's all about music and sharing this Christmas!
Later!

FEELING CHRISMASSY!

 SHARE A SMILE! Happening on the 23rd of Dec at The Crescendo bar and grill in Karen,Karen Road, Next to Rhino House, from 2;00 - 7:30 pm 

http://www.facebook.com/events/266514886740694/?ref=ts

Come and support an initiative to spread joy, love and the spirit of giving during this festive season. Performances by myself and various artistes -come with clothes or dry food stuffs to give to the beneficiaries of this concert. My band and I are really looking forward to it- Let's appreciate Christmas in a beautiful way!

Looking for a face.
Looking for a direction to face.

Searching for a space.
Searching for a space with no time limit..

Crying out to a name.
Crying and weeping for an end to this;
mass destruction, evil masquerading as good, darkness in the cloak of light, a jackal in sheep's clothing.
 Why did the "truth" have to be such a lie?

Searching for a brighter day.....

Sweet Tooth No More

Got my widom tooth extracted today and boy, didn't i experience pain and I mean REAL pain!! Why didn't I lay off the chocolate chip cookies and candy sooner?
Isn't that soo like us to regret and then forget the consequences the very next moment?
Oh Life...

SLEEP, EAT AND BREATH MUSIC!!

Ah yes! David Stopps was indeed in town this past two days and going by the traffic at The Sarova Stanley in Nairobi, so were musicians of every genre, eager to learn the skills and tools of the trade. If, like me, you've been wondering how to go about the business of making a sustainable income from your craft, i can assure you, this was the place to be.
Forget, "i can't get away from the studio!" and all that. RKay, one of Kenya's leading music producers and dare i say, moguls was at hand to give the Kenyan perspective on the music and entertainment industry in Kenya. He is currently running a very profitable music management company,Ingoma, that has the likes of  the Unilever 'Rexona' brand Ambassador (Kenyan Chapter) Wahu, on board among other big names. Apparently These artistes are milking good cheddar from their ventures courtesy of this man's crisp business acumen.
David Muriithi, former partner/founder of Audio Vault in partnership with Tedd Josiah(what happened to this chap?), and now a creative Entrepreneurship expert and consultant is a credible illustration of the kind of managers this industry needs to get ahead. He gave some practical skills on how to live off your craft and is about to launch the Creative Academy of Africa very soon. he's a man to watch..
Wanuri Kahiu, Blinky Bill of Just A Band were some of the amazing facilitators who brought home the message that the music and film industry are not just hobbies but big business, with a big future for those who take themselves seriously.
Now you have it, no excuses, no complaints and the Govt don't owe you zilch! Go out there and make or break it.

Download David Stopp's amazing e-book for free online: HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM MUSIC :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFBpGPCkfEo

SAVE ME!

LORD I'M FATIGUED!
wHO KNEW IT WOULD FEEL LIKE THIS.
aLL THE WAITING AND WATCHING THAT DIDN'T AMOUNT TO MUCH,
wHAT A DISASTER!
iF ONLY I COULD TUNE MYSELF TO YOUR WILL,
NOT BE AS DEFENSIVE,
AS IMPATIENT,
AS ARROGANT,
IGNORANT.
RANT, RANT, RANT!
SAVE ME FROM ME!!

MUSICALLY SPEAKING!!

HEY people! Hope it's been a lovely day. You can now download two of my tracks for free!! i.e 'Fly away' and 'Nenda':at http://soundcloud.com/mambo-artssy/fly-away. Wishing you a lovely & blessed week ahead,Enjoy!

The velvet sky
and the moon above
are silently baiting us
to escape from the predictable rhythm we know;
comfort zones
that favourite spot we call our own.
Celestial beings
know better than to occupy our place in this rat race.
All i want to do is be free
.

We were meant for so much more.....i ponder what.

Sanaa Fusion - Buy Tickets Ticketsasa

Sanaa Fusion - Buy Tickets Ticketsasa

Super excited about Friday's show for real! Get your advance tickets now.

An amazing line up for our show on the 2nd of September.

Fairly priced tickets and an all-round, 3 in 1 performance geared at giving you the best in substance and entertainment.

What more could you ask for! Let's go #teamSanaa!

Sanaa Fusion - Buy Tickets Ticketsasa

Sanaa Fusion - Buy Tickets Ticketsasa

SANAA FUSION is back and we're super excited about this gig.
SANAA in September will feature the super talented Teto Tutuma-a gifted singer and guitarist whose rich Maasai heritage is evident in his style.
The stage will also be graced by Grand Master Masese: poet and musician, Ruth Maingi: an outstanding choreographer and dancer.
Also featuring storytelling by Ogutu Muraya, music by Ziki and the Infusions band and much more.

...We'll also have a FREE VERSE Session for all you budding and unspoken poets, so come through and register before the event begins.

Hosted by the vivacious Cindy Ogana of Hot 96 Fm

Don't miss out!!

I long for country fresh air to purify my aching being.
All mannner of unforgiveness habored from the laborous journey of yesteryears,
to be wiped clean on one old slate.
today, i begin again.

THE STORY OF YOU.

Not the right size.
Not the right hair do, texture or whatever the excuse.

Small breasts, wide hips, big lips.                                
Not your definition of pretty.
Not the right look for TV.

Courtesy of  freedom1926.wordpress.com

Unseen on DVD's.
Not your typical sex symbol,
no room at all where I last looked.

Thank you for not confining my curvaceous frame into your plastic space.
Thank you for saving me the trouble of living up to your pretentious ways.
What would i do if your sentiments were of truth?
Would my spirit take flight and occupy a mannequin, constructed according to your absurd specifications?
Would i doubt praise to my claim, in recognition of the fire that is my beauty?

My round, juicy , perfectly formed image of the One Who molded my form from creation
is expression enough for the bold and not so beautiful.
A voice of power among those long muted.
Better than canvas, Polaroid or pixels combined, often conformed to your flawed expectations and perceptions.
Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder; blame your compromised vision, if your opinion they cannot sustain.

I,
the black,
 beautiful one,
melanin filled,
redeemed from anorexic-media venom,
stereotypical conditions,

is hereby declared a living legend,
Unpolished jewel, Unspoken treasure.

Afro-beautiful, Afro-sensual, Afro-talented, Afro-magnetic, Afro- erotic, Afro-lovely, Afro-musical, Afro-Legendary....

MOTHERHOOD IN RETROSPECT

( I actually wrote this piece for a performance organized by a certain NGO. *Yeah, yeah i know. Donor art boo! hoo! At least it pays bills*. Though the event fell through, i was still glad i wrote this. I'm after all almost two years behind schedule so to speak* smiles* Being a mother of one and all. Anyways, i like it because it sums up my feelings about breastfeeding and also demystifies it; in my humble opinion of course..... Enjoy!)

BREASTFEEDING IS COOL!
At least that's what my Mama told me,

After eighteen hours of labour

i thought my baby and i would finally bond over some sweet, sticky milk, finalize our natural bond and all.

From my womb and into my arms; tiny feet and hands, wrinkly skin , small , delicate lips

the misery begun.

No let down, big, painful lumps, what did i get myself into?

I wanted to scream and run

 Eventually, i understood what the fuss was all about.

My beautiful boobies were not just accessories in funky tank tops. you know, twin towers, the girls, Boom! they made you look!

My breasts had been transformed into life givers

A new and improved addition into their never ending resume

Now when I'm away from my lovely angel,

my breasts tell me when she's missing my company.

They swell and drip as if weeping tears of sorrow from the brief separation.

When i finally get home  to her kisses and smiles,

her playful chuckles, appreciative burps, tell me of the joy she feels.

How i relish those moments.

                                                                                                                    

                                           

Breast feeding is cool you fool!
Staring at me when i remove my breast in public to feed my anxious offspring, hungrily tagging at my buttons.

It's really uncouth you dude!

 and it's not a sexy moment.

It's an intimate bond between me and my little one.

Even if it's in church or in a bus. .
A matatu or in a restaurant- we just can't help it.

it's our moment to study each others features, her moment to internalize my scent and gaze.

Intimate.

Breast feeding is cool?

I hear modern mommies ask

at the petrified thought of cracked nipples, and of their once perky boobies becoming double D drooppies.

Yes, believe me it's cool.

Why you ask?

Well, Babies get their natural antibodies to guard them against disease from breast milk and become pretty brainy from all that Omega 3 in their system

And if you're still not convinced...

welcome to the latest full proof plan for weight loss.

Yes, i know, i know, you're welcome!

BREAST FEEDING IS ABSOLUTELY COOL!

LIFE!

STILL SEARCHING FOR MY SONG....

Stop and listen-the wind, the birds, the rain drops and the sun rays too have their song to share..shhhh...sweet melodies approach only those willing to pause and ponder will hear.

SANAA FUSION

HI PEOPLE,

Rehearsals are  going great as we gear up for our show on the 29th of June at the Wasanii Resaturant.
You can also Purchase your tickets by clicking on the following link:

Just click on the following link:
http://bit.ly/j1Hte1 or go to www.pesapal.com-

This is the location of the WASANII RESTAURANT. Click on this link:

http://%20%20http//maps.google.co.ke/maps/ms?gl=ke&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=210406635982867874429.00

‎%20%20http

Don't miss out on Nairobi' premier poetry show and do bring a friend. Spread the word and bring your beautiful energy along too!

Beautiful Feet.

Walking the distance

miles, meters, kilometers,
boots , cornrows and blisters

heels, flats and sneakers

yellow round ball unfiltered.

Ozone layer on my dark, thick skin layers.

Hit the ground running,                                                                     
unrelenting
until my journey is complete.
Keep my eye on the prize.
Then i waver, i stumble and take detours.
Seems easy to talk the walk than to walk the talk.
But somehow you bring me back on track.





Wrong turns to trouble and illicit fun,
you restore me,
back to my truest North.
Home, where i begun.

LAZY BLOGGER YOU!

omg! I just discovered that I'm a lazee blogger-what to do? will have to do something ASAP!

P-MONOLOGUES

After a spectacular performance of the V-MONOLOGUES at Wasanii Restaurant i.e The rooftop restaurant at the Kenya National Theater, i got into a very fascinating discussion with some of the gents who'd attended the show, and decided that i should write some Penis/Penile Monologues just to get the male perspective of their down there;since they won't. he! He!
coming soon-watch this space.

And on a more colorful note, I've just received the Sanaa Fusion images and they look hot,worth every penny too. Check them out on my facebook page: Valentine Ziki.
Come out on the 4th of May and take in some refreshing poetry and music performances , fused with expressive dance, African percussion and classical music.
All this happening in Dass ethiopian Restaurant in Westlands Nairobi. Tickets at only Kes 300.

I'm now going to log off(you can't see me so...) and start prepping for the V-MONOLOGUES happening tomorrow night at the Carnovore. tickets at only kes 500.
Come out and support massive Kenyan talent on stage ,namely:
Myself-Ziki, Valerie Kimani, Vulimu, Carol Odongo, Denise Gordon, Adele, Sonia and many more
 Proceeds go to the Fistula Foundation in aid of women who suffer from the fistula condition after birth.
A fistula is an unnatural tear that happens in the vagina during birth-really depressing and humiliating condition, so come out and support a worthy cause.
Till next time, pause-I'll be back after this commercial break. la, la, la, la......

I WILL SING MY SONG!

Once a woman lost her footing

stumbled, fell upon her hands and knees.
Bleeding and chaffing til she could
bleed no more,
cry no more.
I discovered her words, her brief account-articulate as it was compelling.
It was as if she'd come back from time to tell her tale
or as if I'd gone back in time
to find her.
For her words gave me a voice,
a voice to fill the void within.
A voice to write my song.


I could have written a song about anything-money, beauty, things to
adorn oneself with, new-found-love, infatuation, affection
but i found that i lacked in those things as i did not lay claim to either one.


I fumbled and searched,
convinced that my mission would not abate and would only be validated
once i found my song.


Song:
Mara, mara,
lini tasema ukweli wako


My search led me mountain high and valley low,
i turned stones and sometimes, they were turned on me and still had no song.


Song:
Mara, mara,
lini tasema ukweli wako
maisha hayo njia panda
Maisha hayo hunijali mimi .

I'm leaving now.
If I'm not home, don't wait for too long.
I will not come back without what i yearn for.
I have no rest until i find my song, until i belong.
Yes indeed,before the setting of my sun, i will write my song.

         

BLOATED

I'm full.
Full of life , full of this intake of substance that seems not to withstand the pressure and pleasure i live through.
this thing called life.

ziki-mylifeandmusic: NEO NAIROBISM

ziki-mylifeandmusic: NEO NAIROBISM

I WILL SING MY SONG!

NEO NAIROBISM

Skinny jeans, short things,

Mohawks and body piercings,

peroxides shades

flamboyant tastes 

spas and beauty palours

metrosexual.heterosexual, homosexual

THE COLORS AND VIBES OF NEO-NAIROBI.

Cheap sex, random pregnancies,

defective contraceptives,money minting abortion clinics

multiple partners,bisexual lovers

double standards

swingers and gogo dancers

IS THIS THE NEW FACE OF NAIROBI?

SINGLE MOTHERS, ABSENTEE FASTHERS,

SENIOR BACHELORS AND RICH SPINSTRES

OVER EAGER COUGARS, CAREER GIGOLOS

AMBITIOUS ENTREPRENEURS

RUTHLESS SHY LOCKS ,FUGITIVE SPENDERS

 self made billionaires

INDEPENDENT Females and ego bruised males

what happened to my nairobi?

dirty politics,mind games

new money spenders, old money players

brain active, heart DEAD

image concious

no moral compass

rugby superstars, football worshippers, 

celebrity dumpsters 

tabloidsand reality show freaks

pimps and pushers -drug barons turned politicains become repentant christians on sabbath

WELCOME TO NEO NAIROBI.

Change is in the air!

Just to inform you that my new official Stage name is Ziki.So from now on it's going to be Ziki this and Ziki that.
I've decided to restructure my life both on a personal and professional level and as such, my stage persona has also been renewed.
It's a bright new beginning and i believe great things are about to be manifested in my life, all round.

'God can dream bigger dreams for you than you can dream for yourself." Oprah.

Now to the beautyful future!!

Mambo Artssy

This coming month I'll be recording the new and definite material for my forthcoming album. I'm also super excited cos I'll be working with a new producer as well.
To new things, growth, love and wisdom!
Let's keep in touch!!

FORGIVENESS

I was super excited this week when I begun school "hunting" for my lovely daughter. I then marveled at how far we've come and what it's taken to get here.
My daughter is really something, being a (her) mother is such an amazing experience, a privilege even. Thank You God!Also in this week, i rediscovered the wonderful power of forgiveness;oh, what a joy!!! I saw someone who'd hurt me bad sometime back.
I used to walk around wounded and bitter because of the baggage that i refused to release. I held on so tight and always went back to the torturer for more-i actually deduced this as a child hood habit; instead of working out how to deal with my failure or problems, I'd punish myself and then repeat the same mistake for validation or to simply see if things would turn out differently. Now that's what i call insanity;doing something over again whilst achieving the same results**Albert Einstein's quote originally**
So how did I forgive? I first of all made a conscious and deliberate choice to do so. To be more specific, I made a prayer, asking God to release me from the clutches of bitterness and to restore my faith in love once again. and...presto! I started smiling and glowing and what do you know? VOLUMES of guys started calling, texting and stalking me.....eeeee!!#buzzer sound#Not. The truth is, it took a bit of time for me to see it.Or feel it.
I hurt and cried and asked why this character had to come into my life; I raged and threw tantrums in prayer and finally it happened- I forgave. So when I finally saw this person, I felt renewed and part of me kept on jabbing at the memories in the past just to test my new state of happiness and freedom, but most of me just smiled.
I smiled and spoke in such composure and relief, for I no longer had fear or rejection to hold me back. I was without spite or hatred for what had been done to my self esteem and dignity.
I smiled on sated and joyously so, for I could finally move on.
To new love(i want to re-love Valentine again), to a new dimension in my expression and spirituality(music, music, music), to a rejuvenated sense of motherhood and unto new territories and job opportunities, I am ready to fly high.
I am grateful to God and to my lovely daughter, my wonderful family and to those who get what it's like to love and to get lost and found again.
To a lovely weekend!!!

Valentine's special: A TRIBUTE TO YOU.

You inspire goodness like fresh cinnamon rolls first thing in the morning.

You inspire kindness;

i want to give up everything and ask for nothing

You inspire such joy and happiness that i could not imagine

You inspire me so, thank you for being you!

ALL I ASK

Love me long after the dreamy scent of my perfume fades away.

Love me even when the roses wither and their bloom cease to brighten the day

Even after that warm, butterfly flutter no longer weakens your feet,
and my kisses don't make your heartbeat stand still,
Love me truly for me.