Rewind, Remix, Reclaim exhibition set off a vibrant, multi-site experience at both the Alliance Française (AF) Nairobi and Goethe-Institut Nairobi. (Photos by Anjellah Owino, Standard) It’s not every day that an art exhibition opens across two venues, but Rewind, Remix, Reclaim did just that, setting off a vibrant, multi-site experience at both the Alliance Française (AF) Nairobi and Goethe-Institut Nairobi. Curated by Kenyan writer and filmmaker Wanjeri Gakuru, on the evening of July 17, the all-women group exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the landmark 1985 UN World Conference on Women held in Nairobi, a defining moment in global conversations…
Author: Anjellah Owino
Hillary Namanje Mtana (Hillary Namanje) and his family (photo courtesy) In August, Air 001, a stage play, will be shown at the Little Theatre Club (LTC) in Mombasa, directed by Hillary Namanje and Mbashir Shambi. Interestingly, Hillary’s directorial debut in 2002 was with the staging of the English adaptation of the classic farce Boeing-Boeing by French playwright Marc Camoletti. Air 001 is an adaptation of Boeing-Boeing, both brought to life on the LTC stage, decades apart. When he first directed it, it was a time when the British, the founders of the theatre as a recreation centre for the British Royal Navy, had left. It left…
Author George Gathiani [Courtesy] At four years old, George Gathiani was fascinated with books about plant animals. As he pondered on this, a curiosity about stories about human beings sprouted, and so did his liking for biographies. Now a non-fiction writer, George has penned biographies and his latest, ‘Halfway to Damascus’ published by Wanderer’s Path Publishers examines intergenerational conflicts. The book was launched on June 7 at Lava Latte Café in Nairobi. What does the title of this book mean? It is a reference to the biblical story of Saul, who was struck with blindness when he was halfway to…
Actor Mary Khavere popularly known as Mama Kayai [File/Standard] Veteran actor Mary Khavere, best known for her role as Mama Kayai in the popular TV series Vitimbi, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Performing Arts at the Myogenic Excellence Awards in the United States. The ceremony took place at the United Brethren Restoration Centre in Raleigh, North Carolina. The awards coincided with the Myogenic Africa Mentorship Programme, which supports emerging creatives in Africa and the diaspora. “We’re looking forward to an amazing event, the 2025 Myogenic Mentorship Program and Excellence Awards at UBRC Raleigh, North Carolina, on July…
‘Unfurling the object of my rage’ art exhibition; a collaborative mixed media showcase by Chela Yego and Cynthia Nyakiro [Courtesy] An evocative exhibition titled ‘The Unfurling of My Abject Rage’ opened at Munyu Space, Nairobi, last weekend. It will run until 7 August. This collaborative mixed media showcase by Chela Yego and Cynthia Nyakiro delves deep into the emotions of rage. The two artists purposefully utilised soft and fragile materials such as handmade paper, hair, and flower petals to create a contrast in conveying the intense weight of rage. They also examined the link between abjection and rage, referencing the…
France to return sacred drum to Ivory Coast after parliamentary vote [Courtesy/RFI] The French Parliament last week voted to return Ivory Coast’s sacred royal drum, which was looted by French colonial troops in 1916. Known as the Djidji Ayôkwé and highly regarded as a “talking drum,” it was a treasured possession of the Ébrié tribe in Ivory Coast. The community historically used the drum to communicate warnings and messages. Currently, France holds 148 cultural objects belonging to the Ivory Coast, whose repatriation was requested in 2018. According to France 24, the lower house of the French Parliament passed a law in…
On the Friday evening of July 11 at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT), Cyprian Osoro from the Crony Production guides us to their rehearsal room. We notice Kiota School students preparing for their show titled ‘Zawadi’ to be staged when dusk falls. The rehearsal room soon fills the rest of the thespians from the Crony Production. A warm-up session follows. Then Cyprian, Ben Tekee, and Makena Kahuha get on stage to rehearse for ‘Happily Never After#, slated for July 25-27 at the KNT. It’s a satirical comedy play set in a garage where a car mechanic and a client clash…
Co-Founder picha museum Joel Lukhovi during the picha museum preview at the cinema rooftop Unseen Nairobi along 623 woodavenue , NairobI on 19th June 2025 [David Gichuru,Standard] Kenyan photographer and curator Joel Lukhovi has been selected for the prestigious curators’ week initiative at the Liverpool Biennale. Liverpool Biennale is hosting events from July 22 to 20, 2025 through its partnership with the British Council. Joel joins seven other delegates: Kakizi Jemima (Rwanda), Lilian Munuo (Tanzania), Nala Xaba (South Africa), Dian Arumningtyas (Indonesia), Parsa Sajid (Bangladesh), James Luigi Tana (Philippines), and Hajra Haider Karrar (Sri Lanka). The delegates were selected after a very intensive application process. They…
Solange Knowles [Courtesy, Solange] Since her music debut with the album ‘Solo Star,’ Solange Knowles has carved her own lane that transcends multiple disciplines of art: music, visual art, film, design, and performance art. Her art is softly rooted in Black identity and empowerment. Even as the multidisciplinary artist is working on a new album that her fans eagerly await after five years. In May this year, the eclectic artist announced that an opera album is in the works, as she revealed in ‘Chanel and Wax Poetics.’ Here are some of the ways she has surprised us through her avant-garde…
Actor Gadwill Odhiambo plays ‘Mwelusi’ in the play [Courtesy] Nostalgia will fill the air in two weeks as Kifo Kisimani, a former Kenyan literature set book by Professor Kithaka Mberia, returns to the stage at the Jain Bhavan auditorium. Directed by Martin Kigondu, the politically charged play will be staged on August 2 and 3 at the 800-seater venue. The production appeals to both older audiences familiar with the book and younger ones who resonate with its themes of political oppression, resistance, and injustice. For actor Gadwill Odhiambo, who plays the lead role of Mwelusi, the production is more than…
KOFISI Art Gallery in Nairobi [Anjellah Owino/Standard] KOFISI Art Gallery opened its doors to the public for the first time last week, debuting with an eclectic exhibition titled Force Fields. The gallery is an extension of KOFISI Africa’s vision to integrate art into its co-working spaces across the continent, starting with its Nairobi hub. While KOFISI has previously displayed art across its centres, this marks a formal shift towards curating exhibitions within its workspaces. Co-curated by Wangui Wachira and Carol Lees, Force Fields features a selection of seasoned artists from the One Off Contemporary Art Gallery. The inaugural exhibition is housed…
Wakio Mzenge [Courtesy] To celebrate veteran playwright and actor John Sibi-Okumu turning 70, Wakio Mzenge is bringing back his poignant one-woman play, Elements. The play will be staged at the McMillan Memorial Library in August. For the longest time, Wakio has lived many lives on stage and television, portraying serious roles: Bwatele County Governor Nerimah Mkung in the Showmax series County 49, Mama Selina in the TV series Selina, and, more recently, Queen Jezebel in Bad Girls of the Bible, a stage play by Chemichemi Players performed at the Daystar University auditorium in May. Elements is no different. Wakio directed…
Wangechi Mutu at her studio in Nairobi. [courtesy, Khadijah Farah] Kenyan-American multidisciplinary artist Wangechi Mutu becomes the first living female artist to exhibit at the Galleria Borghese in Rome. ‘Black Soil Poems,’ her solo exhibition curated by Cloé Perrone, opened on June 10 and runs until September 14, 2025, at the world-famous art museum. It features multimedia works of sculpture, installation, and moving image on display at the 17th-century museum’s façade, rooms, and garden. Known for her fantastical, life-size sculptures, some of them here are placed on surfaces, and others are hanging from the ceilings, giving visitors new visual experiences in…
The Bearing Witness: Echoes of Survival exhibition by Congolese artist Lango Kabhula showcases striking figurative and portraiture paintings depicting the harsh realities of workers in cobalt mining sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exhibition, which opened this past weekend at Under the Tree Restaurant, captures scenes of extreme fatigue, child labour, dehumanisation, and a lingering sense of hope. Lango’s medium, sand mixed with acrylic paints, produces a coarse yet glossy texture that lends a rawness to the artwork. For the artist, sand is more than a material; it is a memory. He explains that sand, as a naturally…
Inside the Munyu Space, Nairobi, paintings are on makutis (palm leaves), mikeka (mats), and gunias (burlap sacks) that are suspended from the ceiling. The gallery features these artworks that show male and female portraits with stoic faces and ghostly and glaring eyes either looking at each other or at the viewer. Several of them embody the graffiti’s colorful style, while others are in muted brown and golden tones. And while most of them are untitled, there is one series titled ‘The People Shall’, with spray paint cans painted on them that pay homage to the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protestors. These…
As a young boy, Martin Kigondu always dreamt that he’d be a thespian. Years later, he has traversed stages with Phoenix Players, Heartstrings Entertainment and his brainchild Prevail Presents. This weekend, he plays a leading role in After 4:30, a 1974-published book by David Maillu. After 4:30 is performed for the first time at the Louis Leakey Auditorium at the Nairobi National Museum this weekend. Kigondu portrays the role of Nikolas Mukoko, a married man who ropes himself into an affair with his secretary. Martin was eager for the role, one that he defines as gutsy. “Mailu is one of the most prolific erotic writers and…
Wangu Wa Makeri stage play [File/Standard] Kenya’s theatre scene is enjoying a vibrant resurgence this year, with an increase in productions and full houses becoming the norm, even as industry stakeholders continue to call for better facilities. During an industry forum hosted by the Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT), attendees highlighted the urgent need to renovate Ukumbi Mdogo and establish more fully equipped venues to meet the growing needs of local thespians. It was also noted that while the government is yet to invest in building theatres for schools, churches have stepped up to fill…
Makadem (real name Charles Odero Ademson) brings an upbeat, celebratory energy to his latest release, Maisha. The Luo Benga artist collaborated on the track with Swedish producer Kronan. Maisha is a single from Kronan’s EP Move, which he wrote and composed. The song is designed to stir joy and place listeners in a festive trance, serving as a reminder to embrace life’s positive moments, even in the face of adversity. Kronan, in search of an African artist who sings in Kiswahili, reached out through Makadem’s former manager, Carolina Vallejo of World Music Production. This led to a collaboration where the…
Onesmus Okamar’s paintings in his exhibition ‘Archives of My Soul’ portray the soul in a genderless form. Women are dressed in colourful gowns, eyes closed, holding flowers, and offering each other comfort, and these same figures carry his experiences and thoughts. The pieces exude themes of self-love, inner peace, self-esteem, and familial support. The gowns represent the serene inner world and outward comfort and protection to those around them. ‘The Day My Spirit Danced’ shows two women sitting with flowers sprouting from bricks. Onesmus says it is about those who helped him during tumultuous experiences. “The recurring imagery of flowers…
Steve Biko Omondi has lit yet another literary flame. Just weeks after thrilling readers with Kasongo: The Wantam School Captain, he’s back, this time with a steamy debut novel titled Between Her Thighs, a Nation. The provocative title isn’t the only thing grabbing attention. Slapped across the cover is the bold tagline, “When pleasure becomes protest.” What follows is a heady entanglement of sex, scandal, blackmail, desire, regret, and revolution. At the heart of this electric tale is Sheila Akinyi, a soft-spoken PR executive whose life takes a scandalous turn after a chance encounter with Baraka Kimathi, a widowed, globe-trotting…
Picha Museum co-founder Joel Lukhovi speaks during its preview in Nairobi [David Gichuru/Standard] PiCHA, Africa’s first museum for contemporary African photography, will open its doors in June 2026. Founded by Joel Lukhovi and Frank Bierens, the museum will be located on Nairobi’s Kijabe Street. The two co-founders held the museum’s preview event at Unseen Nairobi on Thursday evening. The Museum will house permanent collections as well as showcase a series of solo exhibitions for African photographers. The exhibitions aim to challenge erasure, amplify agency and celebrate everyday life with themes such as identity, heritage, neocolonialism, migration, climate change, gender, and contemporary life. …
Zippy Okoth: A one-woman storytelling show, Foolish Forties Dr Zippy Okoth stepped into her performer role with ‘Foolish Forties’, a one-woman storytelling piece presented at the Kenya National Theatre last weekend. Humour runs through the performance with her dating life as a divorced woman in her 40s at the centre. The show opens on a minimalist set – a sofa, an office desk, and some plants – and we come to discover her preference for functional props later. The lights shine on Dr Zippy at the sofa, and she breaks out millennial-era dance moves to Missy Elliott’s 2001 song,…
Walking into April Kamunde’s latest exhibition feels like stepping into a retreat, a gentle space swaying to the rhythm of rest and reflection. Titled Fabric of Our Being, the exhibition explores themes of rest, solitude, and sensuality, portraying African women in intimate moments of stillness. It is currently on show at The African Arts Trust and runs until August 2. Kamunde’s work focuses on figuration, with paintings of women sprawled across Alindi fabric on the grass, sunlit legs folded in serenity, faces covered by books, or quietly squatting in nature. “The titles of these pieces show the personalities of the…
April Kamunde’s exhibition celebrates rest, solitude, dual nature of the dera [Courtesy] Stepping into April Kamunde’s new exhibition, Fabric of Our Being, is like entering a peaceful retreat, where rest takes center stage, not as idleness but as intentional presence. The show, which is ongoing at The African Arts Trust in Nairobi, explores themes of rest, solitude, and sensuality through figuration. Kamunde’s art features women at ease lying on grass, draped in Alindi fabric, reading with books covering their faces, basking in sunlight, or squatting in serene natural settings. “The titles of these pieces show the personalities of the sitters. They…
Father’s Day is a moment to reflect on the strength, humor, wisdom, and quiet sacrifices that define fatherhood. While ties and mugs are common go-to gifts, a carefully chosen book can leave a lasting impression, sparking meaningful conversations or quiet moments of introspection. Here are five diverse and heartfelt reads that celebrate the many layers of being a father. ‘The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography’ by Sidney Poitier Sidney Poitier, among the paragons of dignity in the history of Black cinema, recounts personal experiences of his life and his trailblazing career. In this 2000-released memoir, Sidney introspects on…
Artflame Theatre Network’s Paradise of Thorns electrified a sold-out KVDA auditorium in Eldoret, delivering a poignant exploration of fatherhood absenteeism, single parenting, and emotional trauma. Written and produced by Eldoret’s own Brian Mwanzo and directed by Nairobi’s Ben Tekee, the play weaves a gripping narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. The story follows Makena (Bridget Makena), a single mother abandoned by French (Frankline Ng’etich) during her pregnancy. Raising their son, Master Tyler (Maina Anthony), Makena grapples with societal judgment, work-life pressures, and the emotional toll of abandonment. Twelve years later, an unexpected reunion with French sparks tension as he…
The stark contrast of black and red on the cover of No Saints is no coincidence. Designed by author Sandra Nekh herself, the bold visual signals blood, sensuality, and the sinister underworld of cultism. The colours are a visual prelude to the intensity within the pages of her latest psychological thriller, which launches this Saturday at the McMillan Memorial Library. No Saints follows the journey of St Clair, the daughter of a cult leader, who escapes that life but remains entangled in the psychological web of drugs, secrets, and survival. The book opens with a character in a perilous situation,…
‘The Day of the Jackal’ author Frederick Forsyth has died at 86 after a brief illness. Family surrounded the British political thriller novelist at the time of his death, his literary agents confirmed. Before his venture into novel writing that spanned over five decades, Frederick, an only child born in Kent, England, would lose himself in stories. At the age of 17, he became the youngest pilot officer for the Royal Air Force before going into journalism a year later. A war correspondent for the BBC for six months, he covered the Nigerian Civil War between Biafra and Nigeria while…
‘The Anointed Cartel’ play daringly takes on the unholy union between politicians and religious leaders. Staged by the Igiza Arts this past weekend at the Kenya National Theatre, it tackles the present-day nightmare of abductions, spiritual abuse, and corruption. Bishop Mwakazi (played by Rexie Ndoria) runs a church in what he terms a “divine partnership” with a politician, Honourable Charles Kalalu (played by Sammy Kimani). The bishop is assisted by Pastor Judy (played by Faith Karimi), Deacon Felix (played by Jeff Obonyo), Prophetess Charity (played by Lisa Odhiambo), and Joseph (played by Lucarelli Onyango). They meet at the church to…
Faiz Francis Ouma performs his solo play It’s Such A Good Time [Courtesy] The Cheche Gallery at the Kenya Cultural Centre was packed as theatre lovers turned up for It’s Such a Good Time, a deeply personal one-man play performed by Faiz Francis Ouma. Directed by seasoned filmmaker Gilbert Lukalia, the production is an emotional rollercoaster that tackles fatherhood, childhood trauma, family and romantic relationships, and the complexities of fame and artistry. Through dance, monologues, flashbacks, and layered voiceovers, Faiz breathes life into multiple characters, each representing a fragment of his lived experience. The performance opens with Faiz dancing energetically,…
Days after its release, Kasongo The “Wan-Tam” School Captain & Other Stories by Steve Biko Omondi has struck a powerful chord among Kenyan readers and critics alike. The self-published collection of short stories is already attracting attention from major booksellers, including Nuria Bookstore and Text Book Centre, with early readers hailing it as a fearless critique of Kenya’s current political climate. In the book, Omondi uses gripping storytelling and rich symbolism to mirror the country’s political struggles through relatable narratives. While each story in the collection stands on its own, the themes of ethical governance, tribalism, activism, political betrayal, and…
Days after its release, Kasongo The “Wan-Tam” School Captain & Other Stories by Steve Biko Omondi has struck a powerful chord among Kenyan readers and critics alike. The self-published collection of short stories is already attracting attention from major booksellers, including Nuria Bookstore and Text Book Centre, with early readers hailing it as a fearless critique of Kenya’s current political climate. In the book, Omondi uses gripping storytelling and rich symbolism to mirror the country’s political struggles through relatable narratives. While each story in the collection stands on its own, the themes of ethical governance, tribalism, activism, political betrayal, and…
‘Between the Bars’ art exhibition by Ndung’u Mbithi In ‘Between the Bars’, multidisciplinary artist Ndung’u Mbithi intricately explores the delicate theme of suicide in four weaving pieces. Each piece is of a meshed sisal that is supported by two rods and with a chair painted on it. His use of a sisal rope in weaving is intentional; hanging by sisal rope is a common method for those who die by suicide. It takes him between two and four weeks to complete weaving one artwork. “The slow process of weaving is a form of meditation and self-therapy so that by the time…
In a quiet basement of The Mall in Westlands, Nairobi, a hauntingly intimate art exhibition is drawing visitors into a raw, unfiltered confrontation with mental illness, addiction, and survival. The space, known as Munyu, holds Between the Bars, the first solo exhibition by self-taught multidisciplinary artist Ndung’u Mbithi. Centrepieces of the show are four woven artworks, crafted from sisal rope and suspended between two rods. Each features the outline of a single chair, painted, looming, and emotionally loaded. For Ndung’u, the choice of materials is deliberate. Sisal rope is commonly associated with suicide by hanging, and chairs are tragically familiar…
The global literary community is in mourning following the passing of iconic Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died yesterday at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. Revered as a pioneering voice in African literature and a fearless champion of decolonisation through language, Ngũgĩ’s death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in world letters. His son, author and scholar Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ, delivered a raw and emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter), honouring the man whose influence shaped every facet of his life. “It tears my heart to say that my father, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o passed away…
The global literary community is in mourning following the passing of iconic Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died yesterday at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. Revered as a pioneering voice in African literature and a fearless champion of decolonisation through language, Ngũgĩ’s death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in world letters. His son, author and scholar Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ, delivered a raw and emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter), honouring the man whose influence shaped every facet of his life. “It tears my heart to say that my father, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o passed away…
More than 800 artworks by over 400 artists were showcased at the Nairobi National Museum during the 18th edition of the biannual Affordable Art Show, which attracted over 4,000 visitors. Curated by the Museum’s curator Lydia Galavu, the exhibition brought together a diverse mix of first-time exhibitors and established artists from across East Africa. The show featured a wide variety of visual art forms, including acrylics, oils, string art, mixed media, and sculptures. Artistic styles ranged from realism to abstract and pointillism, with subjects covering portraits, wildlife, daily life, and nature. Visual artist Doreen Mueni exhibited two emotionally charged pieces—Presence…
Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Regina Caeli prayer from the main central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City [AFP] Pope Leo XIV has shared his first message to African Catholics in light of the 62nd Africa Day commemorations. Monday afternoon, the Pope celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica with representatives from the African continent attached to the Holy See, as well as visiting faithful. A few hours later, he took to his personal X and Instagram accounts to post a message addressed to Africans, written in both Kiswahili and English. His post acknowledged and praised the deep faith…
Sachy Otieno’s Fabric of Resilience [Courtesy] The auditorium at Goethe-Institut Nairobi has been transformed into a stunning immersive space, thanks to the imaginative work of five artists who reimagined their crafts, sculpting, photography, wood carving, and animation, into striking life-sized installations. As you step into the exhibition, you’re greeted by a detailed curatorial statement printed on the wall, offering a preview of what lies ahead. Just nearby is a bed installation glimmering with carefully arranged shards of glass and rocks. This hauntingly beautiful piece, titled The Basin, is by artist Wallace Juma. Commanding the centre of the auditorium is Light…
Eight infamous women from the Bible took centre stage in a bold theatrical production that reimagines their lives beyond the labels history gave them. Bad Girls of the Bible, staged over the weekend by Chemichemi Players, brought together controversial figures such as Jezebel, Delilah, Eve, and Potiphar’s wife, now named Zuleika, in a live-recorded reality show-style setup. The characters were placed in a fictional pre-judgment afterlife, where they candidly confronted their pasts before a live audience. The play was written by Yafesi Musoke and directed by Julisa Rowe, with a star-studded cast including Joyce Musoke as Zuleika, Wakio Mzenge as…
Acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu is set to make waves in Hollywood once again as she directs the upcoming Hulu TV series Washington Black, premiering this July. Produced by Emmy Award-winner Sterling K. Brown, the eight-episode drama is based on Esi Edugyan’s acclaimed novel of the same name. Wanuri co-directs the series alongside Mo Marable. Washington Black follows the extraordinary journey of George Washington ‘Wash’ Black, a young boy born into slavery on a 19th-century Barbados sugar plantation. Played by Eddie Karanja, young Wash is forced to flee after a life-altering tragedy. “A harrowing incident pushes Wash into a globe-spanning…
Ballet Dancers Performed by Benji Mudondo and Chloe Kimmelman during the 4th Kenya Theatre Awards 2025 in Nairobi [David Gichuru,Standard] Every weekend, lovers of theatre go to watch live stage performances in various spaces. In 2024 alone, there were 229 shows, composed of plays, poetry, and stand-up comedies, staged countrywide. Driving these numbers are old and new theatre stars and production companies. The industry is seeing individual thespians forming theatre companies and collaborating with their peers to make powerful productions. There are also more original plays taking centre stage. One such example is Millaz Productions, founded by the recently departed Xavier…
Pope Leo XIV leads the inauguration Mass of his Papacy [Courtesy/Getty Images] Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday during a grand inaugural Mass at St Peter’s Square, attended by over 200,000 faithful and global dignitaries. Clad in striking white and gold papal vestments, the first American pope presided over the Mass while holding the staff of Pope John Paul II — a poignant tribute as the day also marked John Paul II’s birthday. In a deeply symbolic moment, the Pope received two of the most significant emblems of the papal office: the Pallium and the Ring of the…
A Place for Fikile is a children’s book about autism written by Pauline Elizabeth and illustrated by Sinzore Majani. It is a celebration of neurodiversity and a call for inclusivity and acceptance. It tells the story of Fikile, a young boy with autism who finds solace in the company of his dog. Despite the support of his parents, he encounters stigma and a school system that fails to meet his needs. Over time, with the encouragement of his family and community, Fikile begins to embrace his strengths, and those around him learn to value inclusion and diversity. The book uses simple…
It was a full-circle moment and a fulfilled dream for the two visual artists, Patrick Mukabi and Jimmy Kitheka, as they held their first joint exhibition. Titled ‘Dust to Form’, the exhibition opened at the Ardhi Gallery last weekend and traces the path of mentorship through three generations of artists. The exhibition is a collaboration between the two artists: a mentor and his protégé. They then invited nine more artists whom they had mentored. The exhibition features 59 charcoal paintings on canvas displayed on the gallery walls, as well as one installation piece of charcoal on cloth, which was created…
Pope Leo XIV, clad in traditional papal attire, made a subtle but striking nod to modernity during his first Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an Apple Watch peeking from beneath his white sleeve. The brief sighting of the smartwatch sent social media into a frenzy. Speculation ranged from a Wenger Swiss Military to a Rolex, but horological researcher Nick Gould quickly confirmed it was an Apple Watch, the same one Pope Leo wore during his time as cardinal. Just a day before, the newly elected pontiff launched his Instagram account under the handle Pontifex, drawing over 6.6 million followers…
The ancient chimneys of the Sistine Chapel whispered history once again last Thursday, as the unmistakable plume of white smoke danced into the Roman sky. In that moment, the world knew the Catholic Church had a new leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, and he chose the name Pope Leo XIV. As the bells of St Peter’s rang, tradition took centre stage. Inside the chapel, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti approached the newly elected pontiff and posed two time-honoured questions: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” and “By what name do you…
Pope Leo XIV and his two brothers Louis Prevost and John Prevost [Courtesy/ABC News] The world was pleasantly surprised when the 133 cardinals elected Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome, and no one was more stunned than his family. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on the second day of the conclave, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. His two brothers, John and Louis Prevost, have since shared their joy and disbelief at the unexpected news. In an interview with ABC News Channel, John Prevost recalled a childhood moment that now…
“It is an artist’s show,” says Ian Mbugua when we are seated, waiting for the play to start. A few minutes before the auditorium was opened, the attendees were outside the Kenya National Theatre grounds catching up. Thespian and politician Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) and veteran actor Ainea Ojiambo engaged in conversations; actors Jackie Nyaminde, Peter Kawa, Julie Brenda, Matthew Ngugi, and Foi Wambui were also present. The play’s director, Nice Githinji, was probably backstage at this time. It was a mini gathering of artists on that chilly Wednesday night in this sold-out play, ‘Miss Understood’. ‘Miss Understood’ is a one-woman play…
The road to electing a new pope began on Friday, May 2, with the traditional installation of the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, the very place where the world would soon look for signs of a successor to the late, ailing Pope Francis, who passed away days earlier. On Wednesday, May 7, the Vatican marked the start of the sacred process. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. Over 5,000 faithful gathered, praying for wisdom as 133 Cardinal electors prepared to choose…
MTV Shuga cast. [Courtesy] The show is expected to entertain while igniting vital conversations on sexual and reproductive health, consent and informed decision-making, empowering young audiences across Kenya. Meet Eric (played by Matthew Ngugi), who is torn between staying true to himself and conforming to his father’s expectations. Eric tries to meet his father’s unrealistic demands of him, yet nothing is enough. He watches in disbelief of how his sister, Nyokabi (played by Serah Wanjiru), is favoured by their father. Eric has a strong conviction that Nyokabi shouldn’t be the golden child. His father drives him to the edge with…
As the Roman Catholic Church embarks on the sacred and secretive process of electing a new pontiff, all eyes turn to the ancient tradition of the conclave, a spiritual and symbolic rite cloaked in reverence and ritual. The process begins with a solemn Holy Mass titled Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff), led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the Sacred College, at the grand St Peter’s Basilica. With divine guidance sought through prayer and reflection, 133 cardinals under the age of 80 will gather within the Sistine Chapel to cast their ballots and…
Cardinals pray before the beginning of the conclave in which Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected as Pope [Courtesy/studentnewsdaily] The Roman Catholic Church will carry out one of its most secretive and sacred traditions: the papal conclave. It all starts with a solemn Holy Mass, led by the Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, at St Peter’s Basilica. The Mass, titled “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff), seeks divine guidance as the Cardinals prepare to elect a new pope. Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and…
The tomb of Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome [Courtesy] As hundreds of Catholic faithful visit the late Pope Francis’s final resting place at the 16th-century-old Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), the tomb is simple and immaculately constructed with marble, with the late pope’s pectoral cross on the soft-lit wall. On it, as it was in his spiritual testament, is an inscription of only the word ‘Franciscus’. A single white rose lies on top of the tomb. Before it was sealed, the 266th pope’s coffin was placed with several meaningful items according to…
Walid Kilonzi, Joanna Oluoch and Odile Oluoch at their stand during the official announcement of the 2025 grantees of the Hii Stage II and the Digital Creatives Call for Projects [David Gichuru/Standard] The French Embassy in Nairobi has awarded a grant worth Sh25m to 17 creatives through their Création Africa programme. The recipients were nine artists in the field of performance arts dubbed ‘Hii Stage II’ (This Stage), with each receiving Sh1 million, and eight creatives in the digital arts getting Sh2 million each. The beneficiaries were unveiled at the Alliance Française Nairobi. The digital artists showcased their inventions at…
As mourners gather at St Peter’s Basilica, the late Pope Francis lies in an open coffin, clothed in the sacred vestments that symbolise centuries of Catholic tradition and papal authority. On his head rests a white mitre, the iconic ceremonial crown of the Catholic Church. Shaped like an elongated bulb meeting at two edges, the mitre represents the Old and New Testaments. Traditionally crafted from white silk, and often decorated with silver, gold and precious stones, it is a powerful symbol of holiness, dignity and spiritual splendour. Although popes historically wore a papal tiara, a three-tiered crown representing their authority…
An aerial view of Vatican City [Courtesy] As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the cinematic lens once again turns towards the Vatican, a city-state steeped in spirituality, mystery, and political intrigue. Over the decades, filmmakers have ventured beyond the towering colonnades of St. Peter’s Square and into the enigmatic world behind the Vatican’s ancient walls, capturing the allure of its secretive rituals and timeless architecture. From fiction steeped in ancient conspiracies to meditative biopics on faith and leadership, Hollywood has often looked to the Vatican not just as a setting, but as a character in itself. Now,…
An aerial view of Vatican City [Courtesy] As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the cinematic lens once again turns towards the Vatican, a city-state steeped in spirituality, mystery, and political intrigue. Over the decades, filmmakers have ventured beyond the towering colonnades of St. Peter’s Square and into the enigmatic world behind the Vatican’s ancient walls, capturing the allure of its secretive rituals and timeless architecture. From fiction steeped in ancient conspiracies to meditative biopics on faith and leadership, Hollywood has often looked to the Vatican not just as a setting, but as a character in itself. Now,…
How to start your side hustle for extra income Published Date: 2025-04-22 11:00:24 Author: Anjellah Owino Source: The Standard
How to start your side hustle for extra income Published Date: 2025-04-22 10:48:00 Author: Anjellah Owino Source: The Standard
Mohamed Komeja [Courtesy] The opening scene of ‘Picha’, a play in Kiswahili, quietens the murmurs from the audience, gripping their attention. The stage lights are turned on, and we see Mwana Kwetu (Suzanne Karani) asleep on a sofa as she is writhing in terror. She lets out a loud scream. Her mother, Kanini (Lucy Wache), runs towards her to find out what transpired. Trembling, Mwana Kwetu narrates the nightmare to her mother she has just had of her father, Mkwaju Mrefu (Michael Ndunda), inflicting violence upon her. This opening scene is a flashback and a foreshadowing of the abuse being…
Nairobi theatre scene trembled with haunting echoes of blind faith, manipulation, and death reflections of real-life horrors that shocked the nation. Two deeply provocative musical plays, ‘In the Name of the Father’ by Kenda Creatives and ‘Against the Tide’ by Son of Man Theatre Productions, confronted audiences with the dark side of religion. At the heart of both performances was a brutal, unflinching look at cultism, mass manipulation, and exploitation in the name of God, dramatisations inspired by the chilling Shakahola massacre that shook Kenya in 2023. Staged at Woodcreek School, ‘In the Name of the Father’ opened with a…
Art has been around for as long as people have existed, maybe even longer. In ancient times, like during the Roman and Greek empires, leaders appreciated classical art. Art has also played a role in science and maths, as shown in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. In Africa, traditional forms of art like pottery, basket weaving, carving, storytelling, music, and beadwork were made entirely by hand. This kind of original, handmade creativity is being celebrated today, on World Art Day, which also happens to be Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. The global theme this year is “A Garden of Expression:…
Playwright Adipo Sidang engages audience after Parliament of Owls reading At the Goethe-Institut auditorium in Nairobi on March 21, a stage was been set in a simple manner. On several occasions, actors take seats placed in the middle of the auditorium, and the audience envelops them. For this evening, the actors sit in a collection of seats at the front, facing the audience. The actors each open a book with a microphone in hand, and they begin reading, embodying the characters in the play in their fullness. This is a play reading of ‘Parliament of Owls’, a published play by…
As the world raises the curtains on World Theatre Day, performers, artists, and theatre lovers unite to celebrate the power of storytelling. Held annually on March 27, this global occasion marks the culmination of World Theatre Week, a tribute to the performing arts’ creativity, resilience, and transformative impact. In Kenya, Mombasa is alive with electrifying performances. The Little Theatre Club (LTC) has been at the heart of the celebrations, hosting captivating plays and storytelling sessions. Baraza Media Lab has brought together poetry lovers, while Alliance Française Mombasa has filled the air with soul-stirring jazz. Meanwhile, Jukwaa Arts Production has held…
“Rikia Ume” a play by Andu A Mumbi Production [Courtesy] The Kenyan theatre scene is seeing a reawakening led by a love for plays in local languages. Leading the charge are Kikuyu and Luo plays with funny names like Rikia Ume (Finish and Go) by Andu A Mumbi Production. The plays are driven by humour and thrilling suspense to tell real-life experiences. They are also laced with sexual innuendos and playfulness to the amusement of their audiences. Rikia Ume playwright and director, Njomo wa Nyathira, says he brainstorms for comical titles that are relatable and catchy to the audience. “When writing the…
Rachel Akinyi, better known as Spontaneous the Poet, believes poetry is more than just an art form, it is a confirmation of human expression. “It is a time to play with words and to see the beauty that comes with word-weaving,” she says, reflecting on what World Poetry Day means to her. Marked annually under the theme Poetry for Peace and Unity, this day brings together poets and enthusiasts who celebrate through performances, readings, and showcasing poetic brilliance. For Rachel, it is also a reminder of the power of poetry in shaping society and supporting one another. Beyond her individual…
In the dimly lit corridors of the Ethnographic Museum of Warsaw, Poland, a hauntingly beautiful series of portraits titled Forever is Not Ours silently speaks to the impermanence of life. The artist behind these ethereal works is none other than Kenyan portrait photographer and filmmaker, Sherie Margaret Ngigi. Her work is part of Afrotope, an ongoing exhibition curated by Any Muhoro, Malaika Nabila, and Witek Orski, which brings together the creative brilliance of 18 photographers from across the African continent. The exhibition runs until September 14 and is a powerful celebration of African identity and storytelling through visual art. Sherie’s…
When Ngartia made his long-awaited return to the stage with DaiVerse, no one anticipated the electric energy that would follow. The stage production, which combined poetry, spoken word, storytelling, music, and theatre, was already set to be one of 2024’s most exciting shows. However, fate had other plans. On the eve of the technical rehearsal, Ngartia found himself behind bars after being arrested during the Gen Z protests that rocked Nairobi in June. By the time he was released, the spirit of rebellion was already brewing in the streets — and it seamlessly flowed into the theatre. The charged audience,…
Kenyan film screen actor and director Mugambi Nthiga. (Courtesy) Mugambi Nthiga has another victory to his name. The stage and screen actor, writer, and director recently bagged an award for Best Director at the Kenya Theatre Awards for a play, ‘Tom Mboya.’. Mugambi has also co-written feature films, ‘Kati Kati’ and ‘Supa Modo,’ and directed ‘Lusala.’. He directed ‘The Manic Monologues,’ a play intended to erase stigma around mental illness. Last year, he directed comedian Crazy Kennar’s theatre show, ‘Happy Country,’ which attracted over 3,000 audience attendees. He is also a performer for an improvised comedy show, ‘Because You Said…
A happy couple. (Courtesy/iStock) In the song ‘Do You’, Ne-Yo expresses how he couldn’t bear it when his former lover walked away. In this classic ballad, he poetically articulates the deep pain of lost love, wearing his heart on his sleeve. In a heartfelt letter, he confesses that even though she has moved on, he yearns for one final conversation to learn whether she ever thinks of him. The sorrow and regret of a love that slipped away is a common, yet often under-discussed, part of our human experience. Many of us fondly recall the good times we once shared,…