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…
Author: Anjellah Owino
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,…