Simon Shaw, United Kingdom
Simon Shaw - Wasp profile picture
Simon Shaw was born in Nairobi, Kenya and was only 17 when he played against Wasps for Bristol. He made a distinct impression on everyone and was soon recruitedby the Wasps where he has represented England at every level. He eventually played in two Lions tours.
Unusually tall for a rugby player, he is called the ‘Gentle Giant’ by the team. He has been voted 2003 London Wasps Players’ Player of the Season, and won the 2004 Zurich Premiership Player of the Season Award. He has been with the Wasps for over 10 years now.
Source: Wasps Profile
Spielworks Media – Making Film Production A Reality
Spielworks Media
You just can’t keep a good Kenyan down, and that is very evident when you see what these two are doing! Loyce Kareri and Dorothy Ghettuba, two Kenyan Jewels, are not content to rest on their laurels.
They have founded Spielworks, an independent film and television concept development and production company that is already activley involved in several different projects.
Keep your eyes peeled as we watch what they come up with and keep you informed.
Maurine Tonicah Akinyi, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tonicah Akin (photo courtesy of News Africa)
Maurine Tonicah Akinyi a.k.a. Tonicah Akin, is a producer, engineer, and musician based in Denmark. She owns Production Company, Akin Tonez Productions and loves jazz, although she listens to, and enjoys, other genres.
She mixes traditional music with urban sounds to get a unique tone that is uniquely hers. You are welcome to listen to her latest music here. You can also learn more about her through the interview on News Africa.
Video of the Week – December 19, 2008
This week’s video will be a tribute to singing in Kiswahili and Sheng (a mix of Kiswahili, other local languages, and English. This one is by K9 featuring D.N.A. Enjoy and have a blessed weekend.
Mike ‘Kenya’ Giraudo – Norfolk, Virginia
- Mike ‘Kenya’ Giraurdo
Kenyan Jewels finally caught up with Mike Giraudo, known as ‘Kenya’ to his friends. He is back from Iraq, pursuing his higher education and was kind enough to share a little bit about his life and experience with us.
Kenyan Jewels: What was it that inspired you to sign up for the army?
The main thing that inspired me to join the us army was what was happening in the world and in kenya with scum terrorists.
Kenyan Jewels: Were there any issues with you having been born in Kenya?
There were a few but the main thing is trying to get info from the us army in Kenya I ended up having to have someone in the embassy bring me all the info I needed which was still not enough.
Kenyan Jewels: Tell us a little about the experience in Iraq. Was your perspective a little different having been raised in Kenya?
I think so, but it was still very different–the culture wasn’t such a shock to me and I could connect with Iraqi people fairly easily. Iraq was an unforgettable experience which I hope I don’t have to go through again.
Kenyan Jewels: Do you still visit Kenya? If so, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I have not been back to Kenya since 2005 but, whenever I go back I need 4 things only..nyama choma [roast meat], Tusker, good people, and a place to sit..well maybe 5, and a dirt bike.
Kenyan Jewels: Any plans to go back to Kenya and maybe settle there?
I would like to, in the future, but Kenya is not somewhere I want to be now.
I also like not having to rely on ultimate security to come to my aid at 4 am, have my own personal weapon and no bars on my windows.But if someone wants to try……
Kenyan Jewels: What are your plans going forward? More work in the army until your 20 years are complete or a different career altogether?
No. No more army for me. Now I am training to be a Norfolk police officer. It seems like something I can really enjoy and use my world experience for.
Thank you for sharing with Kenyan Jewels, and we wish you the best!!
Video of the Week – December 5, 2008
Wahu recently won a MAMA award and this video gives you a glimpse into why.
Armajit Chandan, London, United Kingdom
Amarjit Chandan (photo by Gurvinder Singh S)
It is official, on March the 14th 2009, Kenya will hold its first ever film and television awards. The mammoth event will celebrate and reward the best productions and movers in the industries. Designed to merge the American Oscars and Emmy’s, the elaborate, glamorous and exclusive red-carpet event will set the standard for future events.
The awards will be preceded by month-long partying and voting in February. It will also receive an intense marketing and publicity campaign between the months of December and March.
Come March 14th, all roads will lead only to the Kenyatta International Conference Center, the main venue. Executive limos, red carpets and stunning models will usher guests to the Savannah Ball room for an unforgettable evening. A custom-built, multi-level stage will feature performances from the hottest musicians, dancers, actors and comedians in the country. The organizers, Balozi Productions LTD are preparing a feast for the eyes with choreographed dances, an indoor fireworks display, laser light show and confetti sprays.
Film and television producers have been invited to submit their entries to the Kenya Film Commission before 22nd of December this year. The event’s brand name, board of trustees, trophy and other details will be unveiled at a press conference early next month.
Look out for more details on the event from this blog.
Source: Armajit Chandan
Bianca Noons Passes
The Neutral Sisters, Kyra and Bianca Noons
It is with a heavy heart that I write that Bianca Noons, the other half of that fabulous reggae group, The Neutral Sisters, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2008. She had been in a diabetes-induced coma for over a year. She was 30 years old. Kenyan Jewels would like to pass our condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Her sister, Kyra, has planned a concert that will be a tribute concert featuring reggae artist Kymani Marley, scheduled for Dec. 19 at Bar Rio, 6400 Richmond in Houston, Texas. Rest In Peace, Bianca. You made an impact that will never be forgotten. For more information, visit www.neutralsisters.com.
Thank you, Sharon for sharing the information.
Ushahidi – Good Enough to be on Forbes
Forbes had the good taste to talk about a website that has impacted the way we look at citizen reporting in times of crisis. The site is Ushahidi. It was, for some Kenyans, the only way we could keep up with the situations that were going on in Kenya during the riots after the 2007 elections.
- Ory Okolloh
It also helped the Red Cross know where to go to help people in need. This is the kind of stuff that we like to hear technology being used for (especially in the sad aftermath of the Mumbai hostage situation where we find out that they used satellite phones and Blackberrys).
Congratulations to Ory and Hash for being the visionary pioneers that gave Africans the voice in crisis. Kenyan Jewels is proud of you. Keep doing us proud and we will keep shouting out the accolades.
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