Author: Anjellah Owino

Pope Leo XIV. [Courtesy] Throughout his first year as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has made a firm stance to advocate for peace, one that he set in his first public address and has consistently championed in speeches and public interventions. To mark the first anniversary of his election today, he makes a pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples in Rome. The one-day visit will begin at the Shrine of Pompeii, where the Pope will meet members of a local charitable organisation and vulnerable people supported by the ministry. He will also preside over a solemn Mass featuring the traditional Supplication to…

‘Haki ya Nani???’ Theatre piece stages tense clash between officer and Gen Z activist In a cold interrogation room, an inspector and a defiant Gen Z activist meet after her arrest during a protest. The formal interrogation turns into an intimate confrontation between the two, and secrets about the protest are revealed. Malisafi Theatre Ensemble presents this two-hander political drama on May 9 and 10 at the Kenya National Theatre. Haki ya Nani??? dives into themes of justice, state power, generational conflicts, equality, willpower, survival, and the cost of political unrest. When Inspector Wanjiru (Suki Wanza) starts to interrogate Lucy…

Artist Wesley Osoro challenges Kibera stereotypes with vibrant storytelling Wesley Osoro, an artist from Kibera, creates evocative paintings of faceless figures that centre on hope, resilience, everyday life, and a strong sense of community. His work captures a vibrant and diverse life in his community, thus challenging predominant narratives of poverty and hardship associated with the area. Raised in Kibera, Osoro embarked on his artistic journey to document and communicate the aspects of his surroundings that don’t get their way outside of its physical boundaries. His faceless portraits have since been a signature style and a metaphor for the marginalised…

Puzzle of a master artist emerges at Patrick Mukabi memorial as tributes reveal hidden life A large puzzle was filled of a gentle giant, Patrick ‘Panye’ Mukabi, at his memorial event on Thursday. At the Patrick ‘Panye’ Mukabi evening memorial, two sides of the artist came into focus: a man immersed in his practice, barefoot, moving across a packed studio, offering instructions and pausing to study his students’ work as he taught; and a man who, with family, rarely spoke about his art, keeping that part of his life to himself. Publicly, Mukabi was known as a visionary, accessible, approachable,…

Kenyan authors dominate TBC Penmanship Awards 2026 shortlist The shortlist for the second annual TBC Penmanship Awards 2026 has been announced by the long-standing bookstore, Text Book Centre. Released on Saturday, the list features six book titles across six categories: non-fiction adults, fiction adults, non-fiction teens, fiction teens, non-fiction kids, and fiction kids. Under the theme Across Ages, Across Pages, the awards celebrate books by Kenyan authors, with nominations selected based on bestselling reads. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 14, 2026. The voting process took place between March 16 and 31, 2026. This year’s sponsors are Penguin…

Someone in Africa Loves You author Alexander Nderitu [Courtesy] In a new bilingual poetry collection titled Someone in Africa Loves You, author and poet Alexander Nderitu does not rely on Italian translation to bridge Africa and other parts of the world. Instead, the experiences flow into each other and explore themes of love, mental health, and hardship. For instance, the opening poem, Someone in Africa Loves You, tells the story of a cross-cultural romance between a British university student and a Kenyan beach boy, set along the Kenyan coast. The poem incorporates references to coastal heritage sites such as Fort…

Someone in Africa Loves You author Alexander Nderitu [Courtesy] In a new bilingual poetry collection titled Someone in Africa Loves You, author and poet Alexander Nderitu does not rely on Italian translation to bridge Africa and other parts of the world. Instead, the experiences flow into each other and explore themes of love, mental health, and hardship. For instance, the opening poem, Someone in Africa Loves You, tells the story of a cross-cultural romance between a British university student and a Kenyan beach boy, set along the Kenyan coast. The poem incorporates references to coastal heritage sites such as Fort…

Nairobi artists gather for Patrick Mukabi’s tribute at Nairobi National Museum Artists and colleagues are set to gather at the National Museums of Kenya for Patrick ‘Panye’ Mukabi’s commemorative event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It will feature a candlelighting evening, live music, tributes, a screening, and live-streamed reflections from collaborators and friends. A bonfire memorial was held on Tuesday evening at the same venue. The event featured shared memories, informal tributes, and a mural painting session in honour of the artist who passed away on 23 March 2026. Mukabi’s colleagues continue to describe…

‘Red Handed’: Heartstrings blends comedy, chaos in story of three troubled couples Though packed with humour, Red Handed, a comedy play by Heartstrings Entertainment, explores the themes of troubled marriages, infidelity, financial pressure, emotional neglect, pretensions, and consequences of dishonesty. The play is staged on April 30, May 2 and May 3 at the Alliance Française Nairobi. The production is depicted through a dual timeline staging where the same set shows events from different times. It achieves this with the use of two separate dinner parties hosted by two different couples on different nights, both happening simultaneously on the same…

Kenyan artist rides global Michael Jackson wave with ‘Man in the Mirror’ exhibition As Michael Jackson’s film titled Michael premiered globally, Kisumu artist Oliver Okoth opened Man in the Mirror, an exhibition of paintings celebrating the late pop icon for his lasting influence on music and image. Curated by Julia Ekong and Jimmy Ogonga, the exhibition was showing at Vic Hotel, located next to the Kisumu movie theatre, where Michael’s film has been screening. The show ran from April 24 to 26 and offered audiences a chance to engage with a solo exhibition centred on him as cinema lovers watched his story on…

‘I wasn’t shocked’ Writer Owen Lwanda on being shortlisted for Afritondo prize A story centered on a transgender black man taking over the Vatican as pope, one of the world’s most powerful and sacred institutions, has made Kenyan writer Owen Habel Lwanda one of the five shortlisted writers for the Afritondo Short Story Prize 2026. Lwanda received the nod for The Sun of God, a bold short story that explores religion and identity through the experience of a Kenyan man, Lior, trying to fit into a place that was never built for him. This year’s Afritondo Short Story Prize attracted more than 760 entries from over…

‘Brush Tu’ founders unite for first trio exhibition at Circle Art Gallery Three seasoned artists and founders of the Brush Tu Artist Collective come together for the first time in Handle with Care at the Circle Art Gallery. Running from April 22 to May 29, the trio exhibition brings together Boniface Maina, David Thuku, and Michael Musyoka after long years of individual practice and managing Brush Tu. It features 22 artworks that explore human experience across social, spiritual, figurative, and psychological dimensions. Boniface Maina Working predominantly in painting and drawing, Maina explores the inconsistencies and conflicts of human interaction in…

Patrick Mukabi: Inside the life and legacy of artist who nurtured a movement Legendary painter Patrick Mukabi, fondly known as Panye, has died at 56 after illness, leaving behind a vibrant legacy of art and mentorship that shaped a generation of creatives. Celebrated for his bold, colourful works and everyday storytelling, Mukabi was also known for his warmth and generosity to young artists. Born in Nairobi in 1969 as the fourth of seven children, he began drawing early, inspired by Catholic imagery and encouraged by his father, a Kenya Railways employee. He later studied graphic design at what is now…

Cynthia Erivo and Thabo Rametsi. [Courtesy] Cynthia Erivo and Thabo Rametsi are set to star as South African music legends Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela in The Road Home, a musical drama from Studiocanal and Flora Films. Erivo, Rametsi and Guy Pearce have joined the cast of the film, which will be directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon. It is from an original screenplay by Michael Bronner, taken from a story by Bronner and South African writer Zakes Mda. The film follows exiled South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela (Rametsi), who is caught between loyalties when the anti-apartheid movement led by his…

Legendary painter Patrick Mukabi, fondly known as Panye, has died at the age of 56 after illness, leaving behind a momentous legacy as an artist and mentor who guided a generation of artists. Born in Nairobi in 1969 as the fourth of seven children, Mukabi initially pursued graphic design before going back to his first passion, the fine arts. He built a career primarily as a painter, working mostly in acrylic on canvas, with a strong interest in the human figure. His work was inspired from everyday life, particularly the experiences and activities of women in domestic spaces and informal…

‘Chorus of beings’ exhibition explores identity, surveillance and shared spaces A duo exhibition titled Chorus of Beings by Paul Njihia and Newton Eshivachi explores figurative paintings that depict the dynamics of multiple human beings together in everyday spaces. Curated by seasoned painter Thom Ogonga, it will run from April 25 to May 24 at One Off Art Gallery. Ogonga explains that the exhibition looks at how people exist and leave traces in the spaces they pass through; thus, they interact not as solo beings but as a chorus. The figures are people in public and temporary places connected through everyday…

Kenyan poet Migwi Mwangi shortlisted for Sh193,000 Evaristo Prize Kenyan poet and fiction writer Migwi Mwangi has been shortlisted for the Evaristo Prize for African Poetry 2026 for his piece titled Still Life as Coffin Maker, ranking him among six finalists competing for the Sh193,000 ($1,500) award. Mwangi, a Nairobi-born poet and fiction writer, has had a good start to the year with literary wins. This recognition follows his win of the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize 2026 and a Sh646,000 ($5,000) cash award for his debut collection Desire Path. Selected by poet Terrance Hayes, the collection will be published…

Pope Francis remembered for humility, service to the poor during first anniversary The first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis was commemorated globally on April 21 with prayers, Masses, and tributes reflecting on his 12-year pontificate of humility and service. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. at Casa Santa Marta, aged 88. One year later, his successor, Pope Leo XIV, led the world in remembrance. While on a flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Leo XIV told journalists that Francis was a shepherd close to the “poorest, the least, the sick, children, and…

Kenyan poet Awuor Ouma wins Sh1.3m Cave Canem Poetry Prize 2026 Kenyan poet and writer Awuor Ouma has been announced as the winner of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize 2026, an international award that honours outstanding debut poetry manuscripts by unpublished writers from the African diaspora. The prize, which includes a Sh 1.3M ($10,000) cash award and publication support, will see her debut collection titled Blue Hands, Brown Skin published later this year by University of Georgia Press, this year’s publishing partner for the prize. Ouma receives the award for a manuscript that dives into grief, migration, identity, belonging, loss,…

‘What We Don’t Say’: Three troubled relationships confront buried truths in new stage production Three troubled relationships walk into an old rundown church basement expecting resolve, only to face truths they can no longer avoid. What We Don’t Say is a comedic drama stage production that examines the damage caused by communication breakdown. Presented by Doqflix Production, the play will be staged on April 25 at Braeburn Theatre on Gitanga Road. Set entirely in the church basement, the story unravels during a chaotic group therapy session. Camila and Mike are a married couple whose relationship is hanging by a thread.…

Kenyan poet Owen Lwanda shortlisted for the Afritondo Short Story Prize 2026 Kenyan poet Owen Habel Lwanda is among five writers shortlisted for the Afritondo Short Story Prize 2026 with his piece titled The Sun of God. The shortlist was announced on April 18.  The winning writer will receive Sh129,100 ($1,000), while the other four shortlisted writers will each receive Sh12,910 ($100). The entire longlist, comprising 15 writers, will also be published in Afritondo’s global anthology. This year’s theme is titled Transition and invites writers to explore stories of change, becoming, rupture, and renewal. The prize received more than 760…

Author Ken Odumbe [Courtesy] ‘She remembers the first time. Sixteen years old, Thomas is shouting encouragement. The metallic taste surprised her. “It’s nothing,” Thomas had said, wiping his own mouth. “The altitude gifts us blood. It’s the price. Keep running.”’ This excerpt from The Runner’s Gift by Ken Odak Odumbe is drawn from a story shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026. From 7,806 entries submitted across 54 Commonwealth countries, Odumbe is the only Kenyan writer on the shortlist, among seven African writers and 25 writers selected globally. The idea for the submission came from a conversation with a…

Something Borrowed, a piece by Kibe Nduni [Courtesy] Kenyan visual artist Kibe Nduni is set to present his photographic series titled COILS at the FOTO Bali Festival 2026.  Opening on June 3 and running until July 12 at Nuanu Creative City in Bali, Nduni is among the 36 artists selected for the final exhibition. The FOTO Bali Festival 2026 received 693 submissions from artists from more than 80 countries, with high participation from India, Indonesia, and Italy. The 36 selected artists represent roughly five percent of all applicants. Through the theme AFTERIMAGE, the annual festival invited artists to send lens-based works…

In The Seashell Hum: Fresh play explores PTSD, alcoholism and masculinity A mental health play written by playwright and author Adipo Sidang’ is set for the stage. In The Seashell Hum features a renowned cast of Nick Ndeda, Foi Wambui, Angela Mwandanda, and Gitura-Kamau. It is directed by Victor Gatonye. Originally written in 2019 by Sidang’ as a radio play, he has adapted it for the stage. This interactive psychodrama piece will run from May 15 to 17 at the Kenya National Theatre to mark the Mental Health Awareness Month. It explores the contradiction between the physical and inner worlds…

Multidisciplinary artist Lynn Waithaka is exploring an experimental practice by using different materials to see how the same idea changes in form and expression. She is also interested in how subtle changes in the same idea can convey different emotions or states. Her introduction to making started with small craft activities during childhood, where she created simple objects using cardboard and wrapping paper while following online tutorials. A lover of unique and beautiful things, she would add simple drawings and lines to personalise her work, a process she identifies as the beginning of her artistic path. After high school, she…

A professor, regarded as the pinnacle of academic success, is 67 days unpaid, struggles to meet rent and family needs, and wonders whether the success he pursued was ever real.This is the conflict explored in On the Uselessness of a Professor, a new one-man play by Dr. Fred Mbogo, produced, directed and performed by Martin Kigondu.The play will be staged on April 25 at the Alliance Française Nairobi, as part of A Decade of Prevail Presents, marking 10 years of Prevail Presents.The performance forms part of a double bill, scheduled for 6pm, following the closing staging of the Kenya Theatre Awards 2026 Two-Hander of…

Sculptor Gakunju Kaigwa turns fallen trees into functional art in ‘Ancestral Grain’ Since childhood, sculptor Gakunju Kaigwa has been planting trees regularly, with gardening as a way of life. He describes trees as living things that stay in one place while witnessing events happening around them. “They are quiet observers of the changes that have happened in the world, silent witnesses to history, and keep the memory of that history,” he says. This is explored in his latest exhibition, titled Ancestral Grain, where he works with wood from fallen and removed trees to make three-dimensional functional pieces of furniture that…

Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian polymath [Courtesy] Everyone knows the Mona Lisa painting and the Italian artist behind it, Leonardo da Vinci. World Art Day is marked on April 15, his birthday, and was created in his honour to celebrate his legacy and to recognise art in all its forms. Born in 1452 and later dying in 1519, da Vinci’s most recognised works, the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, still capture viewers’ attention. His Mona Lisa painting is the most famous Mona Lisa, possibly the world’s most famous painting, is on display behind a bulletproof barrier at the world’s…

Author Ken Odumbe flies Kenya’s flag in 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Kenyan writer Ken Odak Odumbe has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 with his piece The Runner’s Gift, and stands to win £5,000 (Sh 877,307) award. Five regional winners will be announced on May 13, with each receiving Sh438,654 (£2,500). The overall winner will be announced in late June at the Commonwealth Short Story Prize Award Ceremony and will receive Sh877,000 (£5,000). “As one of these 25 shortlisted writers and the only Kenyan contestant, I look forward to the regional winners and the overall winner…

Pan-African architecture biennale to debut in Nairobi with focus on resilience Nairobi is set to host the inaugural Pan-African Architecture Biennale (PAB) in September under the theme Shifting the Centre: From Fragility to Resilience. Running from September 1 to 7 at the Kenya International Convention Centre, it presents as an exhibition and a forum where work is shown and ideas about authorship, identity, and the future of cities are discussed, with a focus on African perspectives and a push against ideas from outside that have dictated how Africa builds. The opening week will feature exhibitions, national pavilions, dialogues, and public…

The unseen craft powering Kenya’s biggest theatre productions Kahwai Njoroge ventured into the theatre scene in 2018 and assembled a crew that works in set design, lighting, and sound technical production in what became The Blacks, a theatre technical production company. Their stage credits include Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), The Trial of Dedan Kimathi, and Sarafina! The Musical, Scrooge, Betrayal in the City, Antigone, Vienyeji Pro Max, Kaggia, Mtakatifu Bonoko, and Mgonjwa Mwitu are presented by the Nairobi Performing Arts Studio (NPAS). They have also built stages for Matatu Musical by Pawa254, Redemption presented by the…

How Nairobi artists are breaking out of traditional gallery walls In a city where opening a traditional gallery is expensive to open and maintain, curator Michael Kainga chose not to wait. “Do we wait, or do we create a space that we can afford? The Nairobi art scene is growing, and we cannot wait for the perfect gallery,” he says. Kainga opened the doors of Paper Café for the first time in 2022, an art space located in Westlands. It is in an old one-storey building that also houses The Good Grain Bakery. The exhibitions begin on the ground floor…

‘Space to Unfold’ slideshow reimagines photography through staged visual storytelling Fauziah Anyango held a photography slideshow titled Space to Unfold on April 11 at the Contemporary Image Centre (CIC) in Westlands, Nairobi. The slideshow was structured in chapters, each drawn from one body of work. The images explored violence, identity, and heritage, together with works that were aesthetically pleasing while engaging themes of Afrofuturism, love, and faith. Each image was placed in response to the one before it and created a flow that guided the viewer through emotions and ideas. While a photograph captures a moment, a sequence reveals meanings that might…

Index One, a biographical musical on Nyokabi Macharia, opens in Mombasa on April 11. [Courtesy] Index One, a biographical musical about the life of artist Nyokabi Macharia, gets a fresh staging on April 11, today, at the Little Theatre Club in Mombasa. The production is starred by Macharia and directed by Nice Githinji. Macharia, who plays herself in the piece, says that stepping away from the material and then coming back to it has offered her new perspectives. For one, time has made her loosen her grip on strict biography. It has enabled her to separate herself from the story…

Hustle, deceit and laughter take centre stage in ‘Fundi wa Mtaa’ stage play Fundi wa Mtaa, a Swahili comedy play, is set in a lively, chaotic marketplace. It revolves around a small tailoring space and a poorly maintained public washroom dubbed The Royal Palace. This play, which captures the themes of absurdity and deceit in a relatable setting of the everyday hustle, is staged on April 26 the Klique Hotel in Eldoret. It is presented by DM Chronicles.   Machanjauri (David Mburu) is a carpenter who is married to Truphena, the main tailor in the marketplace. He is a funny…

Older woman, young graduate entangled in risky affair in stage play ‘The Cougar’ Nelly (Sharon Cherono), an older woman, enters a romantic affair with Nun (Victor Koech), a recent graduate struggling financially. She seems confident, but underneath, she longs to feel loved and desired. She sees Nun as a chance to feel young again, while she offers him financial support and stability. The Cougar is slated for April 9 and 10 at Harambee Hall, Kenyatta University, in Nairobi. Written and directed by the founder of Chisaina Arts, Victor Muyekwe, this production marks four years of the theatre production company in…

Exploring memory and emotion through smell: Joy Mala’s olfactory art Curator and artist Joy Mala explores how scent can be used in multisensory exhibitions through olfaction arts. She led a workshop on perfume making and the architecture of scent on March 28 at the Contemporary Image Centre (CIC) in Nairobi. It was the second in her series, and it follows an earlier exhibition titled Between Signals at the Nairobi Contemporary Arts Institute, where she began developing approaches outside of visual experiences. Mala describes scent as a medium that challenges linear ways of viewing. Her curatorial approach, she explains, is to…

Prof. Wandera Ogana turns numbers into stories for young readers in fresh books Prof. Wandera Ogana is a retired professor of applied mathematics and a towering figure in the field regionally. He has contributed to various research projects, including work with NASA, and is now focused on writing both technical papers and fiction. He is no stranger to writing. His earlier works of fiction for adults include Hand of Chance (1970), Days of Glamour (1975), Campus Days (2007), and A Family Affair (2011). What is new, however, is his venture into mathematics fiction for young readers. His two latest books,…

‘Too Early For Birds’ stages Wangari Maathai’s life with fresh insights After the successful staging of Tom Mboya in 2024 and Badassery in 2025, Too Early For Birds (TEFB) returns with a historical and biographical play, Wangari Maathai. The troupe is known for its in-depth research and meticulous writing of historical theatre pieces. For its ninth edition, TEFB explores the life of environmental activist Wangarĩ Maathai. The play runs from April 10 to 12 at the 800-seater Jain Bhavan auditorium in Loresho, Nairobi. Anita Murage, the lead researcher, says the process began with Wangari Maathai’s own words. The team read…

Family tensions unfold at funeral in ‘Man Needs Therapy’ play At his wife’s funeral, his disgruntled daughter and devoted mistress meet for the first time. This is Man Needs Therapy, a family drama play written by Dr Fred Mbogo, staged on April 5 at the Osnet Creative Centre in Eldoret. It is a riveting production by Eldoret-based 64 Theatre and directed by Octavious Onyango.  A 61-year-old Martin Mbombo (Oyatsi Simon) has been having young mistresses since his wife, Dorothy Mbombo, has been in a seven-year coma at a care home. He has been living with his current young lover, Sunshine…

Binance co-founder and former CEO, Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, sets to release his memoir titled Freedom of Money next week as proceeds head to charity. It is pending a final editorial review, Binance reports. CZ has shared that e-book pre-orders are already live in English and traditional Chinese, with the English print edition expected to follow with the launch. Other language editions, he noted, will roll out in the coming months. In a post on X announcing the update, CZ said that the project is not a commercial venture for him. All proceeds from the book, he said, will be…

A powerful retelling of the Kikuyu origin story has taken centre stage in Nairobi, as Gìkùyù na Mumbi opens at the Kenya National Theatre, blending music, culture and oral tradition to reintroduce audiences to one of Kenya’s most enduring narratives. In the piece by Kwa Ndego Productions, Gìkùyù (Nellex Nderitu) is introduced as he is placed on earth by Mwene Nyaga (translated as ‘God’). He is the first person to walk on earth, alone in what is the Kikuyu’s version of the Garden of Eden, known as Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga, in solitude and in awe of the sacred trees around…

Nairobi will host Africa Forward Fest 2026 from May 7 to 10 at Alliance Française Nairobi. The festival will feature publishers, writers, educators, performers, and readers from Africa and beyond. Organised by Alliance Française Nairobi in collaboration with eKitabu, the festival puts Nairobi at the centre of conversations about the future of African literature and publishing. eKitabu will focus on helping African stories reach more readers across different languages and markets. It will also support the travel and participation of publishers from across Africa to encourage collaboration in the industry. “Across Africa, we are seeing an explosion of talent, stories, and publishing…

Artist Adlan Yousif explores loss through fragmented sculptures Adlan Yousif explores deprivation through fragmented sculptures, rebuilding discarded materials into human figures. His subjects are never whole. The bodies are deliberately incomplete, reflecting fragmentation both in material and lived experience. The solo exhibition, Deprivation, runs from March 28 to April 19 at One Off Contemporary Art Gallery in Nairobi. Working with iron and scrap metal, Yousif selects materials that were once useful before being cast aside. They carry traces of history, including rust, scratches and warps. Rather than impose form, he allows the materials to guide how they are used. Transforming…

Kenyan literary giants face off in 2026 TBC Penmanship Awards The deadline to vote for your favourite Kenyan author at the TBC Penmanship Awards 2026 is March 31. Text Book Centre (TBC) announced this year’s edition of the awards, featuring six categories of fiction and non-fiction for different age groups. Under the theme Across Ages, Across Pages, the awards celebrate books by Kenyan authors, with nominations selected based on bestselling reads. In the adult fiction category, a strong lineup of writers is competing. These include Things They Lost by Okwiri Oduor, Big Little Fights by Jackson Biko, Nairobbery Cocktail by…

Artists rally to support veteran Patrick Mukabi’s medical care with benefit exhibition Two exhibitions are running concurrently to support veteran artist Patrick Mukabi’s medical care and celebrate his artistic work. The Patrick Mukabi Medical Fund Benefit Art Exhibition opens on April 4 at Trademark Hotel, Village Market. This one-day showcase aims to raise funds for the artist, who has been hospitalised in recent weeks with medical bills currently at Sh420,000. Curator Thadde Tewa, through Tewasart and Patrons, organised the fundraiser. The exhibition features 50 artworks donated by 47 artists. Proceeds will be split as follows: 40 per cent toward Mukabi’s…

Pope Leo XIV says God rejects prayers of those waging war amid Iran conflict Pope Leo XIV took a firm stance against war during his sermon, repeatedly condemning violence and injustice. Presiding over the Palm Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square, he declared that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. “Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war and whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them,” he said. In his homily, the Pope cited several biblical examples portraying Jesus…

Journey Through Her Twenties, a debut novel by Shangwe T. Khalwale (R) Joeni thought her twenties would be about dreams coming true and dancing at parties. But life takes a surprising turn when she is diagnosed with a chronic illness. She is a 20-year-old endometriosis patient at the centre of Journey Through Her Twenties, a debut novel by Shangwe T. Khalwale. Raised as an only child in Mombasa, Joeni grapples with illness, family expectations, friendships, cultural pressure, heartbreak and identity. Society expects her to be energetic, productive and able to care for her family, but there is only so much…

 Nalani Njeri Ngunyi, who plays Sarafina in a collaboration between Igiza Arts Production and Kirawa Road School. [Courtesy] The seminal musical Sarafina! returns to the stage this April in a school production by Igiza Arts Production in collaboration with Kirawa Road School. Staged on April 3 at the Kenya National Theatre, it joins a wave of productions by student performers as the holiday season kicks off. For Nalani Njeri Ngunyi, who plays Sarafina, this is her first major musical. Though the young actor had to project her voice and deliver her lines with ease during the audition to secure the…

Creative retellings of Biblical stories headline Easter performances in Nairobi Followers The Easter play Followers will be presented by Fifth Wall Productions at Braeside Theatre, Lavington, Nairobi, from March 27 to 29. It centres on five women around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, with an all-star cast led by Marianne Nungo, Nyokabi Macharia, Foi Wambui, Lorna Lemi and Eunice Mwabe. Written by Mercy Mutisya, Followers reimagines the story surrounding the arrest of Jesus through the perspectives of five women caught in a crisis. On that night, Mama Simon (Macharia), Joanna (Lemi), Anna (Wambui), Esther (Mwabe) and Claudia (Nungo) find themselves…

Rough Silk: How self-published biography about unknown father became bestseller When writing the biography Rough Silk, Deborah Auko Tendo thought publishing it would be easy. However, once she started circulating her manuscript, publishers rejected it because it was based on a person, her father, George Auko, whom nobody knew. Tendo says they didn’t care about the depth of the book; therefore, she walked the difficult terrain of self-publishing. The challenges didn’t stop there; only Textbook Centre and Nuria Bookstore stocked the book on their shelves. The book has been a national bestseller for three years consecutively now. Rough Silk, which…

Artists use light to unpack identity, reflection in Kibera showcase ‘Let there be light’ A duo exhibition, Let There Be Light, which opened on March 16 and is on view until April 26 at the HOF Gallery in Kibera, showcases 40 works by Jimmy Kitheka and Edgar Keng’ara. It explores different forms of light, such as moonlight, lamplight, bulb light, headlight and street light, to dive into themes of memory, identity, security, guidance and reflection. Kitheka’s focus is on the external qualities of light while Keng’ara’s is on its symbolic and internal meanings. The exhibition is curated by Jamey Ponte…

Ila’s Adventures is a children’s book and now a dance-led stage production. [Courtesy] Newly written and illustrated by Keya Punja, Ila’s Adventures is a children’s book and now a dance-led stage production. Its adaptation in the form of a dance performance is staged on March 28 at Braeburn Gitanga Road. Punja was not planning to enter the world of children’s literature, but a conversation with Julie Duckworth, a choreographer and founder of The Academy of Dance and Art, inspired her to do so. Duckworth wanted to stage an original children’s ballet and contemporary dance performance, and Punja took it upon herself to write the book.…

The film premieres on April 4 at Scila Gardens, Sportsview Hotel in Kasarani. Nairobi. [Courtesy] Set against the backdrop of a wealthy Kikuyu household, the film Thakame Nduru follows a strained brotherly bond. GK, the disciplined firstborn son (Duncan Murunyu), commits a cultural disgrace by rejecting his father’s multi-million-shilling empire to carve out his own path outside of his father’s legacy. The film premieres on April 4 at Scila Gardens, Sportsview Hotel in Kasarani. Nairobi. His brother, Njenga (Mugo Macharia), is interested in inheriting his father’s empire. He wants to be on his father’s good side but his esteem and a lifetime…

Laughter, lessons: ‘Husband for Breakfast’ comedy play shows how easily relationships strain Husband for Breakfast is a comedy that explores how easily mistrust can creep into marriages. Staged by Heartstrings Entertainment from March 26 to 28 at the Alliance Française Nairobi, the play begins with Marvin (Kelvin Jeff), a stranded man whose car breaks down. He stumbles into a house and finds Jane (Angel Kioko) asleep after taking medication. By mistake, he takes the same pills and falls asleep beside her. The next morning, Jane’s partner, George (Richard Ndege), returns and finds them together. Instead of telling the truth, Marvin…

‘Ukarabati wa Urithi’: Play blends art and awareness to protect Swahili heritage Set in the historic Swahili town of Lamu, the Kiswahili play Ukarabati wa Urithi (Renovation of Heritage) explores the tension between tradition and modern life. Presented by the Lamu Arts and Theatre Alliance and written by Faraj Mohamed, the play reflects life in the coastal town, where heritage is preserved not just in customs but also in architecture. The story begins with the strained marriage of Bakari (Yusuff Baishe) and Amina (Mariam Suleiman). Their conflict revolves around a crumbling ancestral house, Magofu, which Bakari wants to sell to…

‘Ukarabati wa Urithi’: Play blends art and awareness to protect Swahili heritage Set in the historic Swahili town of Lamu, the Kiswahili play Ukarabati wa Urithi (Renovation of Heritage) explores the tension between tradition and modern life. Presented by the Lamu Arts and Theatre Alliance and written by Faraj Mohamed, the play reflects life in the coastal town, where heritage is preserved not just in customs but also in architecture. The story begins with the strained marriage of Bakari (Yusuff Baishe) and Amina (Mariam Suleiman). Their conflict revolves around a crumbling ancestral house, Magofu, which Bakari wants to sell to…

Mwikali Mary, the performer of the one-person monologue piece ‘1982 ni mimi’ [Courtesy] The monologue piece 1982 ni Mimi is set during the historical 1982 coup attempt. Performed by Mwikali Mary and written and directed by Wakio Mzenge, it will be staged at Cheche Gallery, Kenya Cultural Centre, on March 27 to mark World Theatre Day. Rather than focusing on powerful figures or the state response, the piece turns away from dominant narratives and instead fictionally reimagines the coup through the lives of those who never made it into the history books. The story unfolds over the six hours of the…

Art pieces from solo exhibition ‘The Skin of Memory’ on display at The African Arts Trust. [Courtesy] Multimedia artist Abdul Rop presents The Skin of Memory, a solo exhibition at The African Arts Trust. Opened on March 13 and running until May 22, the show features five finished large-scale woodcut prints alongside two carved plates, allowing viewers to engage both the final image and the physical process behind it. Rop, known for his woodcut prints and paintings, works by carving into wood, inking the surface, then pressing it onto fabric. The scale of the works invites viewers to stand before…

Kenyan writer W.B. Njeru takes on mission to reclaim fantasy storytelling W.B. Njeru is a full-time author and publisher set on a mission to popularise the genre of fantasy fiction in Africa. His Arikana fantasy fiction four-book series: Son of Akanga, The Sorceress of Harem, Day of the Dark Sun, and Guerrilla Queen. The books explore African mythologies and beliefs that were once told in oral storytelling traditions. Growing up, he enjoyed listening to his brother telling amusing, great tales about warriors. Then he started reading books about them, such as Tales of Wamugumo by Peter Ngibuni Kuguru, which his…

Theatre week shines light on Kenya’s evolving stage, creative collaboration Theatre practitioners across the country are celebrating World Theatre Week from March 20, culminating in World Theatre Day on March 27. With its ongoing theme of theatre and a culture of peace, thespians are reflecting on the importance of the stage as a space for storytelling and collaboration.   Theatre producer and actor Martina Ayoro, who is based in Mombasa, is marking the occasion by producing an initiative titled Incubation, a project focused on restaging theatre works that had previously been shelved. The initiative is her second project as a…

World Poetry Day: Inside the voices shaping new era of Kenyan poetry World Poetry Day, held every year on March 21, celebrates poetic expression and was first recognised by UNESCO in 2000. We spotlight five poets who are pushing the boundaries of the craft in diverse ways. Maxie Daniel “… I want to tell her I am sorry; I want to hold her close, but how when she wronged a man the moment she became a woman.” – A Woman, by Maxie Daniel. On World Poetry Day, Maxie Daniel hosted the second annual World Poetry Day Gala and Awards at…

Artist Njogu Kuria blends UB40 inspiration with African myth in fresh exhibition Artist Njogu Kuria’s latest solo exhibition, titled Watchdogs of the Night, opened at the Munyu Space in Westlands on March 7 and runs until the 28th. The show revolves around protective forces as inspired by UB40’s song Watchdogs. Music has always influenced Kuria’s work since he started creating with vinyl records about 10 years ago. He is guided by the rhythm, the lyrics or a feeling of the song. He recalls planning for the show last year while listening to Watchdogs, and the idea about searching for safety…

Written and directed by Trevor Aseri, it features four young men in their early twenties, played by Aseri, Fenwick Gabriel, John Solomon, and Adrienne Ogutu. [Courtesy] Trevor Aseri’s younger brother followed his passion to work at a mechanic’s workshop after high school since he did not meet academic requirements to join university. As a fourth-year university student of finance, Aseri looks into the contrasting paths between him and his brother. “Surprisingly, he has supported my entire campus life. He is the second breadwinner in the family after our mother. I am nearly graduating, and I don’t know if I will…

Family-owned school descends into chaos in Kikuyu comedy ‘He Wega’ In the Kikuyu comedy play He Wega, Martin Munywa (played by Humphrey Maina) is a schoolteacher whose life spirals into alcoholism following the death of his father, the school director. The production explores themes of poor leadership, fund embezzlement, corruption, love triangles and power struggles within family-owned institutions. Produced by Wangui wa Ngina under Andu a Mumbi Entertainment, the play will be staged at Jalaram Auditorium in Westlands on March 20. It is strictly for audiences aged 21 and above. The story centres on a family-owned school left in the…

Why Pope Leo XIV won’t visit Kenya during his Africa tour Pope Leo XIV will travel to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea from April 13 to 23, marking his first official visit to Africa since his pontification in May last year, according to Vatican reports. The Holy See Press Office said the Apostolic Journey will span 11 days and 11 cities, and include six greetings, 10 addresses, and eight homilies. Algeria The visit will begin in Algiers from April 13 to 15, where the Pope will visit the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument to commemorate the Algerian War of Independence.…

Theatre series ‘What we carry’ maps grief, love and survival through 10 plays The Keeper of Quiet Things is set 100 years into the future and explores themes of government control, personal freedom, and human memory. The play will be staged at the Ukumbi Mdogo, Kenya Cultural Centre, on March 21. This science fiction monologue performance, scripted by Brian Abudu, Lorna Lemi, and Martin Kigondu, is the second instalment in the ten-part theatre series titled What We Carry, an 11-month journey across Nairobi theatre stages that explores human contradictions. Set in 2126, The Keeper of Quiet Things tells the story…

Polyann Njeri returns to stage with ‘Of Cords and Discord’, opens up on theatre journey Theatre actor Polyann Njeri plays Jane in the upcoming two-hander drama thriller, Of Cords and Discord, set for April 25, following its run last year that starred Celestine Gachuhi and Mwikali Mary under the direction of Martin Kigondu. The play explores familial relationships through two sisters, Jane and Joan, unpacking themes of jealousy, betrayal, rivalry, favouritism and grief. Though now a familiar name in theatre circles, Njeri did not grow up dreaming of the stage. Performing arts came later, in 2018, when she was searching…

Ardhi Gallery celebrates women with digital exhibition featuring 150 artworks The Ardhi Gallery has opened its digital exhibition, Her Wellness, Her World, featuring over 150 artworks celebrating women. The exhibition, which launched on International Women’s Day on March 8, brings together 19 female artists and the Kwa Watu Collective. Hosted on the Ardhi Gallery Online Marketplace, the ongoing showcase highlights women contributing to the art industry and explores themes of identity, wellbeing, resilience, and personal expression. The exhibition is curated by Ardhi Gallery founder Christine Oguna and David Kihumba. Gemini Vaghela is exhibiting 21 artworks. If Dreams is a charcoal…

Bleeding Stones: Play delves into the hidden fears, inner battles of men during chaos A two-hander drama titled Bleeding Stones explores men’s innermost struggles. The play, by Chisaina Arts Production, hits the stage on April 19 at Nimpa Theatre in Nairobi. It follows Elias (Dennis Njoroge) and his optimistic alter ego, Kivuli (Victor Muyekwe). Set in a fictional post-election period of violence, Elias faces chaos and must protect his family. Scared, he questions his own masculinity. Kivuli appears to remind him of moments when he displayed strength. The relationship between Elias and Kivuli is a dialogue between doubt and self-belief.…

Actors on stage (photo Anjellah Owino) A staging of Mgonjwa Mwitu focuses on the problem of fake doctors exploiting vulnerable patients and the scandals that presently go on in the health sector. The play is brought on stage by the Nairobi Performing Arts Studio from March 26 to 29 at the Kenya National Theatre. The production is an adaptation of the 17th-century French playwright Molière’s La Malade Imaginaire, written in 1673. The story, however, has been adapted for a contemporary Kenyan audience, scripted by Gadwill Odhiambo. “It has been completely updated and is now set in 2026 Nairobi”, Director Stuart Nash explains. Odhiambo…

Photo Courtesy For over 15 years, Gemini Vaghela has worked across multimedia forms, exploring identity, growth and preservation through her art. Moving between traditional painting and digital processes, her work reflects a practice through experimentation and personal reflection. With an academic background in interactive multimedia technologies and photography, she draws inspiration from how refined the digital world is. And she also finds ways to merge digital and traditional art, for instance, transforming paintings into wearable pieces. “I first create hand-painted artworks, then get them digitally printed onto fabrics which can be worn as scarves or sarongs, or stitched into other…

Last Seen, will go on stage on May 2 and 3 at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT) main auditorium Playwright and creative director Martin Abuya tells stories that reflect the realities of everyday life. Through his company, Igiza Arts Production, he stages productions that blend humour, drama and societal realities. His work, Last Seen, will go on stage on May 2 and 3 at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT) main auditorium. The play portrays the growing disconnection in modern friendships. “We live in a time where we are constantly online and in group chats, yet many people feel more isolated than ever,” Abuya says. This…

Poetry steals spotlight as Kenya Theatre Awards honours on-stage excellence For the first time since the inception of the Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) in 2021, a poetry show was among the biggest winners of the night. Midnight Poetry, which was staged by Kevin Maina of Maina Mind Productions, received four awards out of nine nominations. That is the Best Spoken Word Production, Best Stage Managed Production (Rita Gitau), Best Musical Score, Arrangement or Adaptation (Modest Chabari), and Best Lighting Design (Charles Stephen). The fifth edition of the KTA announced its winners at the Kenya National Theatre this past Thursday night,…

Artist James Kamande turns Nairobi’s skyline into rusted memory at Westlands exhibition Contemporary visual artist James Kamande’s work examines Nairobi’s urban life and architecture through mixed media paintings and metal sculptures that reflect the changing cityscape. His works are on display at the Art of Connection group exhibition at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Westlands. Curated by Myrna Art Direction and Sena Art Gallery, the exhibition opened on February 12 and runs until May. He considers his work a documentary, welding metal sculptures into buildings that showcase some of the places in the city. What first drew Kamande to metal…

The Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) ceremony took place at the Kenya National Theatre this past Thursday night. Winners of 29 categories were awarded in the event that was filled with theatre glitz and spectacle. The category number is a drop from last year’s 36, which the five-bench jury, led by chair and juror Ian Mbugua said was to elevate the quality of productions. Last year, the jury watched 222 theatre shows across 78 venues in the country.   Here is the list of the winners for the fifth edition of the KTA 2026.   Best Playwright – Original Script Yafesi Musoke – Bad Girls…

Poet turns pain into art in second book ‘In the Absence of Presence’ J.O. Bernard’s In the Absence of Presence, a collection of poems, letters, and phrases, is a tender reflection on grief and longing. The book is mostly influenced by the writers he has read and studied. His literary world is also a complete contrast to his early environment in Eastlands, Nairobi, a place he described as hostile for a young boy. So he sought literature as his solace, aware that the literary world that we are exposed to can be different from our environments. A foremost influence on…

Love, lies, TikTok take centre stage in Luo comedy ‘Nyuka Onge Kwero’ Nyuka Onge Kwero (Pok Imetho?), a Luo comedy play by Abila Production, addresses love triangles. Staged at the Nairobi Cinema on Valentine’s Day, the play begins with Nyakablack (played by Linet Omuya), a wife who is obsessed with TikTok. Her fixation strains her relationship with her husband, Kasuku (played by Alvins Kasuku), on Valentine’s Day when they have no plans. Matters spiral out of control when the husband’s ex suggests a rendezvous at a Mombasa hotel, and a call from the hotel manager leads the wife to think…

Lango Kabhula: Congolese artist uses paintings, installation to trace materials’ journey Congolese artist Lango Kabhula opened an exhibition titled Matières Voyageuses (translated as Travelling Materials) at Alliance Française Nairobi on February 9. The exhibition runs until February 28. Curated by Sarah Luddy in collaboration with Alliance Française Nairobi, it features 16 large-scale paintings and a series of 13 smaller works, accompanied by an immersive installation. “It refers to the entire history of materials, that is, their extraction, circulation, transformation, and use,” says Kabhula. He explains that the notion of travel connects resource exploitation with migration, identity, and artistic creation, particularly…

Love takes centre stage across Kenya’s theatres this Valentine’s [Anjellah Owino, Standard] This Valentine’s season, love is taking centre stage. Production companies across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa are showcasing original plays that explore different facets of love. The opening scene of The Lady in Red shows Amelia (Carina Rumburger) and Andrew (Sam Psenjen) celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary in their living room. Five years later, they meet in the same room again, this time discussing divorce in the presence of a lawyer. The interracial couple wonders how their marriage reached this breaking point, and it is revealed gradually that they…

Kenya Actors Guild Executive Director Dickens Olwal [Courtesy] Dickens Olwal plans to amplify the voices of actors so they are heard and taken seriously as he steps into the role of Executive Director at the Kenya Actors Guild (KAG). Founded in 2008 by Lupita Nyong’o, Peter King and Elly Yang Omukubi, KAG was established to advocate for actors’ rights, welfare and professional standards. Olwal’s commitment to advocating for actors is shaped by his own journey in the arts. He began as a stage actor in school drama festivals and later taught drama during his high school years under the mentorship…

KTA jury chair Ian Mbugua speaks during the unveiling of nominees for the 2026 Kenya Theatre Awards. [Courtesy] The Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) 2026 nominees were unveiled at the Kenya National Theatre, marking the fifth edition of the annual ceremony that celebrates excellence in Kenyan theatre. This year, the awards feature 29 nomination categories, down from 36 in 2025, a move organisers say is aimed at sharpening competitiveness and recognising standout work across the industry. The nominees were announced by KTA jury chair Ian Mbugua and Director of the Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) Benson Ngobia. The awards ceremony is…

Caroline Ngorobi brings Mombasa’s theatre to life with original plays, festivals Caroline Ngorobi is a prominent voice in Mombasa’s theatre scene. In February, she is staging 30th Feb: The Date That Never Happened, a comedy love story revolving around Valentine’s Day. The play stars John Mumba, Martina Ayoro, Mary Favour and Paita Bakari. Mumba’s character, Greg, is set up for a date but ends up being the only one preparing for it. The play was first staged last year at the Alliance Française Mombasa and returns to the stage on February 13 at Nyali Cinemax. Produced and directed by Ngorobi,…

Art: Muthoni Mwangi recreates Lamu in miniature collage cities “I build cities in boxes,” Muthoni Mwangi plainly yet poetically describes her newest artistic approach. The visual research artist travelled to Lamu last year, a place that drew her to its rich history and people. She is now recreating the town in collage pieces within boxes. Previously, she painted, sculpted and did woodwork before settling on collage art. She then made collages of women on flat canvases; this is a new direction she is taking with her art. The idea to use boxes came to her unexpectedly, through an ordinary experience…

The ‘Matatu Musical’ cast during their rehearsals. [Courtesy] Wangarĩ Maathai Too Early for Birds returns in April with the staging of its ninth show at the Jain Bhavan Auditorium in Loresho. Fifteen years after her passing, the collective is staging the story of Wangarĩ Maathai. This edition will explore different facets of her life as a mother, professor, Member of Parliament, assistant minister, activist, writer, farmer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, an honour she received on December 10, 2004. The production celebrates her work in environmental conservation, community development and sustainable development. Too Early for Birds is known for historical…

Art: Ian Gichohi reimagines how photographs can exist on paper Ian Gichohi’s first solo photography exhibition, A Lot Has Happened, explores alternative ways of displaying images. Featuring 19 artworks, the exhibition examines unconventional approaches to how photographs can exist on different forms of paper. In some works, Gichohi assembles several photographs within a single frame. These assemblages are clean-cut, influenced by his brief time studying architecture and his love for the photo book. Other images sit singularly within frames. The exhibition opened on November 27 and runs until February 14 at Paper Café in Westlands, a fitting location given that…

‘Landscapes from Home’ exhibition brings Kenyan stories to London Landscapes from Home, a group exhibition bringing together six Kenyan artists, runs from January 15 to 23 at the Africa Centre in London. The exhibition features work by Coster Ojwang, Sheila Bayley, Viktart Mwangi, Andrew Crae, Doreen Mueni and Swift9 Graffiti to depict what home looks like. Curated by Stephanie Chianda, a curator and medical doctor based in London, in collaboration with Asili Creatives, the show includes a collection of 25 works and is aimed at speaking to Africans in the diaspora who are starting to collect art from their home…

An entrance at the Little Theatre Club in Mombasa County on Friday 5th November 2021. [Kelvin Karani, Standard] One of the main stages of performing arts in the Coast region, the Little Theatre Club, is at risk of closure following a directive from the Kenya Railways Corporation to turn it into a training institute. The history of the club dates back to the 1940s. Soldiers of the British Royal Navy in Mombasa would stage plays in different locations during World War II. In 1947, Captain Richard Moreton met with his group of thespians at a pub, and they started talking…

Social media beats traditional marketing in drawing more audiences to theatres In 2025, some productions played to full auditoriums, others drew moderate audiences, while a few reached only a small number of viewers. Getting more people into theatre spaces and keeping them coming back has become one of the main focuses in the industry. In the past, theatre marketing was informal. Cast members often sold tickets within their immediate social circles of friends and family. Flyers were stuck on trees and walls to reach the public, and performers’ payment depended on ticket sales. While some of these strategies persist today,…

Raising an introvert in today’s world Before going with a child to a new social setting, an introverted one will likely need a conversation to prepare them for what to expect. Once they arrive, they will likely need more time to adapt before they socialise. Children are typically expected to be socially open even without an established rapport. A reserved child preferring solitude is said to lack good social skills; therefore, their introversion is viewed as a flaw, something to be fixed. Adults urge them to open up and greet strangers, with comments like, “Why don’t you speak?” or “You…

2025: Kenyan theatre beams with new voices, return of classics This year saw the re-staging of several classic works by theatre veterans, introducing a new generation of audiences to these timeless pieces. There was Picha (1985) by Mohamed Komeja, Kaggia (2014) and Elements (2013) by John-Sibi Okumu, The Trial of Dedan Kimathi (1976) by Ngugi wa Thiong’o, an adaptation of David Maillu’s After 4.3, and Kifo Kisimani by Kithaka wa Mberia. Seasoned actor Wakio Mzenge has been one of the actors with several productions this year, having acted in Elements, Mgonjwa Mwitu, Ujumbe, and Mtakatifu Bonoko. She says she was…

Rick Ross announces new book ‘Renaissance of a Boss’ set for 2026 Rick Ross will launch his new book, Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening, in May 2026. Next year will mark 20 years in the music industry since the release of his debut single, Hustlin’, in March 2006. The hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur announced the latest work on social media to his millions of followers. “It’s time. For twenty years, we’ve been hustlin’. Now, I’m taking you on a different kind of journey,” he shared. He continued: “I hit the road to find a new spark,…

Kenyan artists shine in Iran-backed social justice art competition Three artists, Collins Murimi, Benson Hika Mwangi, and Patricia Githae, won an art competition and exhibition hosted by the Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi on December 5. The event, themed on social justice and equality, saw more than 100 submissions, with 50 artworks shortlisted for the final exhibition after a rigorous selection process. The winners received cash prizes of Sh60,000, Sh40,000 and Sh30,000, respectively, judged by veteran visual artist Patrick Mukabi and poet Vincent Nyangor.  First-place winner Collins Murimi submitted his winning artwork…

David Mulwa: Icon who built Kenyan theatre, lived on through his students On December 5, Prof David Mulwa laid down his pen after a life dedicated to theatre, television, education, and film. His career, spanning more than five decades, influenced generations of artists.   Mulwa is fondly remembered by the theatre arts fraternity as an amiable and disciplined man. His widow, Janet Mulwa, recalled that they met for the first time in 2010. Mulwa was acting in Tabasamu at the time, a show that she used to watch.  She appealed to the public to help offset the outstanding hospital bill,…

Books and Wine Club members during the ”Sip and tour” and launch of Soma Nami bookstore in Greenhouse along Ngong Road [File/Standard] This is a perfect time to reach for a festive read. But a stroll along book aisles tells a story of the absence of Christmas-themed fiction by Kenyan authors for adults. So far, we only have Christmas Without Tusker by Meja Mwangi and A Special Christmas: Who Stole Baby Jesus? by Maureen Njuguna.  The perception of a holiday reading list for Lexa Lubanga, host of the annual Kenyan Readathon, is light reads that also allow for time for…

Redemption: Late playwright David Mulwa’s classic play set for highly awaited comeback David Mulwa’s Redemption is set to make a highly anticipated stage comeback in March 2026. Mulwa, a veteran thespian, actor, playwright, author, and lecturer, passed away on December 5 after a long illness. He leaves behind a rich legacy of works exploring corruption, neo-colonialism, power, faith, morality, and ethical responsibility. Redemption was originally commissioned by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) to commemorate its 50th anniversary. First performed in 1989, the play toured churches across the country. It is celebrated for its bold critique of religious…

Caption Angela Wambui’s first solo exhibition, Threads of Consciousness, opened on November 22 at Peponi Gardens in Westlands and runs until December 15. Curated by Verónica Paradinas of GravitArt Gallery, the exhibition features 16 mixed-media colourful artworks that explore the interplay between the conscious and the unconscious. In this body of work, Wambui combines acrylics, oils, and beadwork to create textured pieces that move between the visible and unseen. Her choice of materials is deliberate in expanding the story. To her, oil stands for clarity and conscious thought. The acrylics and oils represent the tangible and visible world, while the…

The late Bilal Wanjau [Courtesy] Actor Bilal Wanjau took his last curtain call on the night of December 3 after a battle with type 2 diabetes. The beloved performer lived many lives on theatre, film, and television sets over the years, and most notably in Kifo Kisimani, Tahidi High, and Jela 5 Star. His artistic journey began in his school years at St Teresa’s Boys Secondary School and later Eastleigh High School. His professional journey took off in 2007 when he joined Starlight Productions just after completing high school. There, he began as an actor in set book performances and…

Whispers of Hope is an original drama series that revolves around Amina, a bright and determined girl whose life is turned down after the death of her parents. Forced to live with her uncle and his family, she faces neglect and hostility. She realises she may have a mysterious gift linked to her late mother. Set in the scenic beauty of Rongo in Migori County, the 13-episode series by Rongowood Art & Entertainment premiered on November 15 at Nairobi Cinema, an event attended by representatives from the Kenya Film Classification Board and the Rongo MP Paul Abuor. Season One follows Amina…

Caption After watching Free Me, I remember telling a friend, who was seeing it a day later, that they were in for a treat. It felt odd to say that about a play centred on domestic abuse and drawn from a real-life story. Still, it was both moving and unexpectedly humorous. This past weekend, Free Me struck straight at the hearts of its audience. It took us on a rollercoaster of joy, pain, anger, surprise, and disgust, and at times, several emotions all at once. The play is based on the true story of award-winning theatre producer Gathoni Kimuyu and…